blow hot and cold
/bloʊ hɒt ənd koʊld/
Meaning
This expression describes someone who constantly changes their attitude or feelings, alternating between being enthusiastic and affectionate, and being cold or distant. It is often used in romantic or friendly contexts to describe inconsistent behavior that leaves the other person confused. The tone is usually frustrated or observational.
Examples
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I can't figure him out; one day he's texting me non-stop, and the next he completely ignores me—he's just blowing hot and cold.
I can't figure him out; one day he's texting me non-stop, and the next he completely ignores me—he's just blowing hot and cold.
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She has been blowing hot and cold about going on a second date with me all week.
She has been blowing hot and cold about going on a second date with me all week.
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Stop blowing hot and cold and just tell me if you actually want to be in this relationship.
Stop blowing hot and cold and just tell me if you actually want to be in this relationship.
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My sister blows hot and cold with her friends, so she struggles to keep long-term relationships.
My sister blows hot and cold with her friends, so she struggles to keep long-term relationships.
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It's exhausting dealing with a partner who blows hot and cold whenever things get serious.
It's exhausting dealing with a partner who blows hot and cold whenever things get serious.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is blowing hot and cold water on me.
✓ He is blowing hot and cold.
Do not add nouns like 'water' or 'air' to this idiom. It is a fixed phrase.
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✗ She blew hot and cold to my proposal.
✓ She blew hot and cold about my proposal.
We usually blow hot and cold 'about' or 'with' something or someone, not 'to' it.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I wish he would stop ___ about our weekend plans and just make up his mind.
💡 changing his mind constantly
Show answer
blowing hot and cold
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She's been ___ with me lately, so I don't know where I stand.
💡 alternating between friendly and distant
Show answer
blowing hot and cold