cold hard masses

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cold hard masses" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe tangible, substantial entities, often in a metaphorical sense referring to money or resources that are solid and unyielding. Example: "In the world of finance, it's all about the cold hard masses that dictate the flow of power and influence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I wanted their lives of hard labor to be a perpetual presence in Greta's awareness — the "cold, hard masses of history and politics, full of cruel truth".

The New Yorker

She understood that her own experience was a tiny atom beside the cold, hard masses of history and politics, full of cruel truths.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The trailer for Phoenix's new tour documentary, From A Mess To The Masses, is all cold hard urban underpasses and sweaty stage invasions, painting a rather grittier band than the smooth stylists from Versailles we know.

The Guardian - Music

"I will deal with cold, hard facts.

BBC

And people trade cold hard US dollars for these?

TechCrunch

People buy the coins for cold hard cash on exchanges.

The New York Times

Cold, hard bitch?

Independent

Apparently cold, hard cash.

The Washington Post

Just the cold, hard facts.

The New York Times

In cold, hard cash.

The New York Times

What about cold, hard cash?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to evoke a sense of the impersonal and overwhelming nature of large-scale forces or societal issues.

Common error

Avoid using "cold hard masses" in casual conversations or lighthearted writing, as its serious tone may feel out of place. The phrase is better suited for formal, analytical, or reflective pieces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold hard masses" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "cold" and "hard" are adjectives modifying the noun "masses". It describes substantial entities, often with negative connotations, as seen in the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cold hard masses" effectively communicates the idea of substantial, unyielding, and often harsh realities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct, although relatively uncommon. It finds its primary usage in news and media contexts. When writing, use it to describe the weight of impersonal forces, especially in historical or political discussions. While "cold hard masses" has a place in formal or analytical writing, be cautious using it in casual contexts, as its serious tone may not be appropriate. Alternatives such as "harsh realities" or "stark facts" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh realities

Focuses on the unpleasant aspect of the truth, omitting the sense of quantity or mass.

concrete realities

Focuses on the tangible and undeniable aspect of the circumstances.

stark facts

Similar to 'harsh realities', emphasizing the bluntness and undeniable nature of the information.

unyielding truths

Emphasizes the inflexibility and permanence of the facts or principles involved.

brute facts

Similar to 'stark facts' but perhaps even more blunt and forceful.

solid blocks

Highlights the physical aspect, evoking the image of something heavy and unmovable.

palpable truths

Suggests the truths are easily perceived or felt, without necessarily being harsh.

heavy truths

Highlights the emotional or intellectual weight carried by the facts.

substantial burdens

Shifts the focus to the weight or responsibility associated with something.

formidable quantities

Emphasizes the large and possibly intimidating amount of something.

FAQs

What does "cold hard masses" mean?

The phrase "cold hard masses" refers to substantial, unyielding, and often harsh realities or truths, frequently used in historical or political contexts to describe impersonal forces.

How can I use "cold hard masses" in a sentence?

You might use it to describe the weight of history: "She felt overwhelmed by the "cold hard masses" of historical events that shaped her present."

What are some alternatives to "cold hard masses"?

Consider using phrases like "harsh realities", "stark facts", or "unyielding truths" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cold hard masses" a common phrase?

No, "cold hard masses" is not a very common phrase. It's more often found in specific contexts, like discussions of history, politics, or societal forces, rather than everyday conversation.