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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Blow hot and cold

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To keep changing between enthusiasm and a lack of interest, making your feelings unclear.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. Sam keeps blowing hot and cold about joining the course.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To keep changing between enthusiasm and a lack of interest, making your feelings unclear.
Show the answer

Blow hot and cold — To keep changing between enthusiasm and a lack of interest, making your feelings unclear.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Blow hot and cold” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To keep changing between enthusiasm and a lack of interest, making your feelings unclear.

Compare: Sam keeps blowing hot and cold about joining the course.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this conversationally when someone’s attitude towards a plan or person is inconsistent. It often expresses frustration.

More examples in context

  • Our client blew hot and cold on the new design for weeks.
  • I cannot plan the trip while you blow hot and cold about coming.

Usage note

Use about or on to introduce the subject. The past tense of blow is blew; the participle is blown.

A short conversation

A: Has Mia agreed to help with the event?
B: She keeps blowing hot and cold about it.
A: Ask her for a clear answer before we assign the jobs.

One more practice question

Who is blowing hot and cold about a plan?

A. Someone who welcomes it one day and rejects it the next.
B. Someone who consistently supports it.

Check your answer

A. Their attitude repeatedly changes, leaving others unsure.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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