as in cold turkey
a cold aloof person
her husband is such a cold fish that I'm reluctant to have them over for dinner
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Recent Examples of cold fish
Lancelot, still the Round Table’s greatest hero, is a bit of a cold fish with an unexpected role to play as the saga winds to its close.
—
Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 16 July 2024
This emulsified mixture of garlic, olive oil and egg is a classic accompaniment to fish (especially cold fish).
—Domenica Marchetti, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
Anxious people are hurt and damaged while avoidants are cold fishes.
—Vicky Spratt, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2023
The book also says the sauce is to be served with calf’s head or cold fish.
—G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 27 July 2023
As Alfred Uhry’s book — also a Tony winner — relates, Leo, the manager of a pencil factory owned by Lucille’s uncle, is a misfit in Atlanta: a New York Jew but also a cold fish.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2023
There would be plates of bright red tuna crudo, the cold fish drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt flakes.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2022
Uncle Richard came round to the flat especially to reason with her, and reported back to Hilary that his niece was a funny sort of girl, bit of a cold fish, very set on her own ideas.
—Tessa Hadley, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2022
Each ticket comes with a 15-minute window for pickup, to avoid any risk of long lines and cold fish.
—Star Tribune, 25 Feb. 2021
Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 16 July 2024
This emulsified mixture of garlic, olive oil and egg is a classic accompaniment to fish (especially cold fish).
—Domenica Marchetti, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024
Anxious people are hurt and damaged while avoidants are cold fishes.
—Vicky Spratt, refinery29.com, 17 Oct. 2023
The book also says the sauce is to be served with calf’s head or cold fish.
—G. Daniela Galarza, Washington Post, 27 July 2023
As Alfred Uhry’s book — also a Tony winner — relates, Leo, the manager of a pencil factory owned by Lucille’s uncle, is a misfit in Atlanta: a New York Jew but also a cold fish.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2023
There would be plates of bright red tuna crudo, the cold fish drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt flakes.
—Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2022
Uncle Richard came round to the flat especially to reason with her, and reported back to Hilary that his niece was a funny sort of girl, bit of a cold fish, very set on her own ideas.
—Tessa Hadley, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2022
Each ticket comes with a 15-minute window for pickup, to avoid any risk of long lines and cold fish.
—Star Tribune, 25 Feb. 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cold fish
Noun
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Intimidated by the idea of going cold turkey for either?—
Alisa Hrustic,
SELF,
24 June 2025
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How Leaders Can Find Freedom Retirement shouldn’t be about just stopping everything cold turkey.—
Chad Willardson,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Noun
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New England classics like lobster rolls and clam chowder can be found at local haunts like Homeport and Larsen’s Fish Market.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
27 June 2025
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One of the more unexpected offerings is the Rhode Island-style clam chowder, made with a clear broth instead of cream.—
Keyla Vasconcellos,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
Noun
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For a kid who began following his father around Shuttle Meadow, swinging plastic sticks as a toddler, Jackson Roman has come quite a way.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
21 July 2025
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Just light the end with a match, drop it in the fuel tray, and line up a few oak sticks on top.—
Adrienne So,
Wired News,
21 July 2025
Noun
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According to eyewitness testimony and post-wreck analysis, the Titanic took approximately two hours and 40 minutes to sink after crashing into an iceberg — not fast enough for Eric Braeden.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
7 July 2025
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Trinity’s heritage endures in modern maritime outfitters like Sea of Whales Adventures, which explores the nearby coast in Zodiac boats in search of whales, dolphins, puffins, bald eagles and icebergs.—
JOE YOGERST,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cold fish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cold%20fish. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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