blood run cold

USAGE SUMMARY

'blood run cold' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to indicate fear or trepidation. For example, "As I heard the horror story, my blood ran cold."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

His reply makes my blood run cold.

The Guardian - Books

His 'smile' made my blood run cold.

The Guardian

Now that makes the blood run cold.

The Guardian - Film

That passions may run hot and blood run cold.

The New York Times

(The sound of what used to be CBGB's will make your blood run cold).

The New Yorker

When I hear a war plane overhead it makes my blood run cold.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Betsy's advice had a metaphorical relevance to my personal financial predicament, which made my blood run colder than the freezing air temperature.

The New York Times

Chechhee's blood ran cold.

The Guardian

Then my blood ran cold.

The New Yorker

My blood runs cold at the thought.

The Guardian

From generation to generation, the blood runs cold.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blood run cold" to vividly describe a situation or realization that evokes a strong sense of fear, horror, or shock. It's most effective when portraying a sudden, visceral reaction to something unsettling.

Common error

Avoid using "blood run cold" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Use it sparingly for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blood run cold" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a predicate to describe a feeling of intense fear or shock. Ludwig's examples confirm that it's used to depict a visceral reaction to disturbing or frightening events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The expression "blood run cold" is a common idiom used to describe a sudden feeling of intense fear, shock, or horror. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase effectively conveys a visceral reaction to disturbing or frightening events, aiming to evoke a similar feeling in the reader or listener. While versatile, overuse can diminish its impact, so it's best employed judiciously to maximize its effect. Alternatives like "spine-chilling" or "heart-stopping" can provide similar connotations with varying degrees of emphasis. The frequency analysis indicates its common presence in news and media, making it a go-to choice for describing shocking revelations or fearful encounters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spine-chilling

Focuses on the physical sensation of fear affecting the spine.

send shivers down one's spine

Describes the feeling of fear manifesting as shivers.

heart-stopping

Emphasizes the sudden shock or fear that briefly stops the heart.

fill with dread

Focuses on the feeling of intense apprehension and fear.

make one's hair stand on end

Highlights the physical reaction of hair standing up due to extreme fear.

inspire terror

Highlights the act of instilling extreme fear in someone.

be frightened to death

An expression indicating extreme fear, almost to the point of dying.

scare the living daylights out of someone

An idiom emphasizing the intensity of the scare.

turn pale with fright

Focuses on the physical manifestation of fear, turning pale.

leave someone aghast

Highlights the feeling of shock and dismay mixed with fear.

FAQs

How can I use "blood run cold" in a sentence?

You can use "blood run cold" to describe a feeling of sudden fear or shock. For instance, "The chilling details of the crime made my "blood run cold"."

What does it mean when someone says their "blood ran cold"?

It means they experienced a moment of intense fear, shock, or horror. It's a figurative way of expressing a strong, visceral reaction to something disturbing.

Which is the correct form, "blood run cold" or "blood runs cold"?

Both forms are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. "Blood run cold" is often used in narrative to describe a past event, while "blood runs cold" describes a recurring or habitual reaction or a general truth.

What are some situations where it's appropriate to say "blood run cold"?

It's appropriate when describing moments of fear, shock, horror, or when something deeply unsettling is revealed. For example, hearing a sudden, unexpected noise in the middle of the night might make your "blood run cold".