The expression "makes blood run cold" is often used to describe something that is extremely frightening or disturbing. The word "blood" is spelled /blʌd/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a short "u" sound and a voiced "d" at the end. The phrase is spelled phonetically and can be pronounced /meɪks blʌd rʌn koʊld/. The combination of the "ks" sound followed by "bl" can be tricky to spell, but the phrase can be easily remembered by its memorable imagery.
To say that something "makes blood run cold" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a feeling of extreme fear or terror in response to a particular event, circumstance, or revelation. It signifies an experience or situation that is deeply unsettling, chilling, or horrifying, causing a physical reaction of intense dread or horror that is often metaphorically associated with the sensation of one's blood turning cold.
This phrase emphasizes how overwhelming the fear or shock is, suggesting that it goes beyond just creating a momentary moment of fright and has a profound and lasting impact on an individual. The notion of blood running cold implies that the body is physically affected by the intensity of the emotion, causing a chilling or numbing sensation.
The expression often arises in the context of hearing or witnessing something deeply disturbing, such as hearing a horrifying secret, encountering a terrifying sight, or learning of a shocking revelation. It conveys the idea that the fear or horror is so overwhelming that it creates a physical response, as if one's entire being has been struck by an icy, paralyzing fear.
Overall, "makes blood run cold" is a figurative phrase that vividly communicates a state of extreme fear, terror, or horror that leaves a lasting and chilling impact on an individual's mind and body.