cold as charity
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Very cold, whether in temperature or in demeanour.
Register: humorous
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
"Here's another funny thing I don't quite believe," he said; "a minute ago the tea was boiling hot, and now it's as cold as charity. But I mustn't forget it's winter; that's what's making my fingers tremble so. Jolly cold — jolly cold. Yes, jolly cold as charity sounds topsy-turvy."
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “cold as charity” mean?
Very cold, whether in temperature or in demeanour.
Is “cold as charity” formal or informal?
cold as charity is generally humorous.