Cold weather can be a bone-chilling experience, and our language is filled with metaphors to describe just how cold it can get. These metaphors not only add color to our conversations but also vividly convey the intensity of the cold.
In this article, we will explore a variety of metaphors for cold, each with its own unique meaning and usage. From comparing the cold to icy substances to invoking the frosty imagery of winter, these metaphors will help you express just how frigid it feels outside.
So, let’s dive into the world of chilly comparisons and explore the various ways we describe the cold.
Metaphors for Cold
“It’s as cold as ice”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of ice.
In a Sentence: As I stepped out into the biting wind, I felt like I had entered a realm where it’s as cold as ice, with every breath turning into a frosty mist.
“It’s freezing”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being so cold that it feels like it is freezing the body.
In a Sentence: The temperature plummeted overnight, and when I woke up, it was freezing inside my house, and I could see my breath in the air.
“It’s colder than a witch’s tit”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a witch.
In a Sentence: When the polar vortex hit, it became colder than a witch’s tit outside, and even the bravest souls hesitated to venture out.
“It’s colder than a brass monkey”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the metal brass.
In a Sentence: The wind was howling, and it felt colder than a brass monkey’s doorknob, making me regret not wearing an extra layer.
“It’s colder than a grave”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of a grave, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: The eerie silence of the cemetery amplified the sensation that it was colder than a grave on that moonlit night.
“It’s colder than a well digger’s ass”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a person who works in a cold environment.
In a Sentence: I wrapped myself in blankets as I sat by the campfire; it was colder than a well digger’s ass, and I couldn’t feel my toes.
“It’s colder than a polar bear’s toenails”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a polar bear, which lives in a very cold environment.
In a Sentence: The Arctic wind swept across the tundra, and it felt colder than a polar bear’s toenails, numbing my face within seconds.
“It’s colder than a mother-in-law’s love”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the lack of warmth and affection often associated with mother-in-laws.
In a Sentence: When I forgot my jacket at home, my mother-in-law’s disapproving look was warmer than the weather; it’s colder than a mother-in-law’s love out there.
“It’s colder than a well digger’s feet”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a person who works in a cold environment.
In a Sentence: After a day of ice fishing, my feet were colder than a well digger’s feet, and I couldn’t wait to get them by the fireplace.
“It’s colder than a banker’s heart”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the perceived lack of warmth and compassion often associated with bankers.
In a Sentence: Despite the sunny day, the frosty breeze made it feel colder than a banker’s heart, leaving us shivering in our light jackets.
“It’s colder than a snake’s belly”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a snake.
In a Sentence: The desert night was colder than a snake’s belly, and I huddled close to the campfire for warmth.
“It’s colder than a witch’s broomstick”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the objects associated with witches.
In a Sentence: The stormy night was colder than a witch’s broomstick, and I wrapped myself in blankets to ward off the chill.
“It’s nippy outside”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being chilly or frosty.
In a Sentence: I could tell it was nippy outside when I saw my breath form small clouds in the crisp morning air.
“It’s as cold as a well”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of a well, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: The ancient stone well in the courtyard looked invitingly cool in the summer, but in winter, it’s as cold as a well, with frost on its surface.
“It’s as cold as a stone”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of a stone, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: The cave’s interior was as cold as a stone, making me appreciate the warmth of the sunlight outside even more.
“It’s as cold as a winter’s day”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of winter, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: Despite the bright sunshine, it’s as cold as a winter’s day, and I can’t wait for spring to arrive.
“It’s as cold as a frog’s butt”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a frog.
In a Sentence: The pond had frozen over, and the ice was as cold as a frog’s butt, sending a shiver down my spine as I cautiously stepped onto it.
“It’s as cold as a fish”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of a fish, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: The river water was as cold as a fish, and I could feel the chill seeping through my waders as I cast my line.
“It’s as cold as a polar bear’s paw”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a polar bear.
In a Sentence: Even with my thickest gloves, the wind was as cold as a polar bear’s paw, and I could barely feel my fingers.
“It’s as cold as a penguin’s beak”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a penguin.
In a Sentence: The Antarctic wind was as cold as a penguin’s beak, making me appreciate the warmth of the research station.
“It’s as cold as a snowman’s carrot nose”
Meaning: This metaphor describes the cold temperature as being extremely cold, possibly even colder than the body parts of a snowman.
In a Sentence: The blizzard outside was as cold as a snowman’s carrot nose, and I stayed indoors with a cup of hot cocoa.
“It’s as cold as a polar vortex”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the extreme coldness of a polar vortex, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: When the polar vortex descended, it felt as cold as a polar vortex, and schools and offices closed in record numbers.
“It’s as cold as a block of ice”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of a block of ice, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: The walk-in freezer at the grocery store was as cold as a block of ice, and I could see my breath as I selected frozen peas.
“It’s as cold as a refrigerator”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of a refrigerator, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: The air conditioning in the office was turned up so high that it felt as cold as a refrigerator, and I had to wear a sweater to stay warm.
“It’s as cold as a winter’s night”
Meaning: This metaphor compares the cold temperature to the coldness of a winter’s night, implying that it is very cold.
In a Sentence: The wind howled through the trees, and it was as cold as a winter’s night, making the cozy fireplace all the more inviting.
Summary
| Metaphor | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| It’s as cold as ice | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of ice | As I stepped out, it felt as cold as ice. |
| It’s freezing | Describes cold as so cold it feels like it’s freezing the body | It was freezing, and I could see my breath. |
| It’s colder than a witch’s tit | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a witch’s body parts | It became colder than a witch’s tit outside. |
| It’s colder than a brass monkey | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than brass metal | The wind made it colder than a brass monkey. |
| It’s colder than a grave | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of a grave | The night felt colder than a grave. |
| It’s colder than a well digger’s ass | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a well digger’s body parts | I couldn’t feel my toes; it was colder than a well digger’s ass. |
| It’s colder than a polar bear’s toenails | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a polar bear’s body parts | The wind was colder than a polar bear’s toenails. |
| It’s colder than a mother-in-law’s love | Compares cold temperature to the lack of warmth from a mother-in-law | It’s colder than a mother-in-law’s love out there. |
| It’s colder than a well digger’s feet | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a well digger’s body parts | After ice fishing, my feet were colder than a well digger’s feet. |
| It’s colder than a banker’s heart | Compares cold temperature to the perceived lack of warmth in a banker’s heart | Despite the sun, it felt colder than a banker’s heart. |
| It’s colder than a snake’s belly | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a snake’s body parts | The night was colder than a snake’s belly. |
| It’s colder than a witch’s broomstick | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than objects associated with witches | The stormy night was colder than a witch’s broomstick. |
| It’s nippy outside | Describes cold as being chilly or frosty | My breath formed clouds; it was nippy outside. |
| It’s as cold as a well | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of a well | In winter, it’s as cold as a well. |
| It’s as cold as a stone | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of a stone | The cave was as cold as a stone. |
| It’s as cold as a winter’s day | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of winter | Despite the sun, it’s as cold as a winter’s day. |
| It’s as cold as a frog’s butt | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a frog’s body parts | The pond ice was as cold as a frog’s butt. |
| It’s as cold as a fish | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of a fish | The river water was as cold as a fish. |
| It’s as cold as a polar bear’s paw | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a polar bear’s body parts | The wind was as cold as a polar bear’s paw. |
| It’s as cold as a penguin’s beak | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a penguin’s body parts | The Antarctic wind was as cold as a penguin’s beak. |
| It’s as cold as a snowman’s carrot nose | Describes extreme cold, possibly colder than a snowman’s body parts | The blizzard was as cold as a snowman’s carrot nose. |
| It’s as cold as a polar vortex | Compares cold temperature to the extreme coldness of a polar vortex | When the polar vortex hit, it was as cold as a polar vortex. |
| It’s as cold as a block of ice | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of a block of ice | The walk-in freezer was as cold as a block of ice. |
| It’s as cold as a refrigerator | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of a refrigerator | The office was as cold as a refrigerator. |
| It’s as cold as a winter’s night | Compares cold temperature to the coldness of a winter’s night | The wind was as cold as a winter’s night. |
Conclusion
As we’ve explored these creative metaphors for cold, it’s clear that language offers a multitude of ways to vividly describe the biting cold of winter or a chilly breeze. From icy comparisons to humorous references, these metaphors allow us to paint a picture of just how cold it can get.