COLD COMFORT Meaning and
Definition
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Cold comfort is a phrase that refers to a situation or statement that may offer some limited consolation, but ultimately fails to provide genuine solace or satisfaction in a time of difficulty or distress. It is an expression used to convey the idea that the comfort or relief being offered is insufficient or inadequate to truly alleviate one's troubles or feelings of disappointment.
The term "cold" in this context implies a lack of warmth or effective empathy, as the comfort being given fails to address the core issues or provide considerable relief. It suggests that while there might be some form of consolation or reassurance offered, it is distant, unsatisfying, or fails to meet the emotional and psychological needs of the individual experiencing hardship.
Cold comfort often arises when someone attempts to console another person by offering well-intentioned words or advice that end up being inadequate or unable to solve the underlying problem. It can also arise when someone provides sympathy or consolation to another person, but the delivery lacks empathy or understanding, making the comfort offered feel hollow or insignificant.
In summary, cold comfort is a phrase used to describe a situation where temporary relief or consolation is given to someone in distress, but it falls short of providing genuine comfort or addressing the deeper issues at hand. It indicates a lack of substantial support or empathy, leaving the person still feeling disheartened or dissatisfied.
Common Misspellings for COLD COMFORT
- xold comfort
- vold comfort
- fold comfort
- dold comfort
- cild comfort
- ckld comfort
- clld comfort
- cpld comfort
- c0ld comfort
- c9ld comfort
- cokd comfort
- copd comfort
- cood comfort
- cols comfort
- colx comfort
- colc comfort
- colf comfort
- colr comfort
- cole comfort
Etymology of COLD COMFORT
The phrase "cold comfort" has its origins in Middle English and dates back to the 14th century. The word "comfort" comes from the Old French word "comforter", which means "to console or bring solace". The term "cold" is used to denote an absence of warmth or emotional satisfaction. Together, "cold comfort" refers to a form of consolation or encouragement that provides little real or substantial relief.
Idioms with the word COLD COMFORT
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be cold comfort
The idiom "be cold comfort" means to offer little or no consolation or reassurance in a difficult situation. It refers to a situation where the available comfort or solace is minimal or ineffective, providing little relief or satisfaction.
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cold comfort
Cold comfort is something that offers little or no consolation or relief, often because it is not satisfying or helpful in addressing a difficult situation or problem.
Similar spelling words for COLD COMFORT
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