What does the phrase, "to run cold and hot," mean when referring to someone's pe

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   Arachneaposted 9 years ago

   What does the phrase, "to run cold and hot," mean when referring to someone's personality?
   
   I've heard the phrase, "to run cold and hot," used to describe someone's personality unfavorably. It's usually used, "She/He runs cold and hot." What does this mean about the person being described?

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   Rochelle Frankposted 9 years ago

   My interpretation is that it describes a person who has either very strong positive or very strong negative opinions, and may be either enthusiastic or dismissive about any particular thing.

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      Arachneaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      This is an interesting nuance, your interpretation. I can see how it fits right in with the other. Thanks, Rochelle Frank.

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   Shorebirdieposted 9 years ago

   I think it means that she has mood swings, but I'm not sure.

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      Arachneaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I think so. I'm seeing that common thread in the answers. Appreciate your stopping in.

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   Cristaleposted 9 years ago

   I know that "to run hot and then cold" means that a person is indecisive. "To run hot and cold" must mean that a person is so indecisive that they just want everything all at once, like both at the same time. It is not a compliment or a good thing.

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      Arachneaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It makes sense that it's not a good thing. I can see the indecisive connotation as well. Thanks.

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   Ericdierkerposted 9 years ago

   First let me be pleasant and all hot. I knew there was something amiss here but it just hit me. For some reason the term is "runs hot and cold"  I have no idea why. But it references how the person treats you (probably more to do with them than you) We would use it when referring to someone who changes seemingly regardless of outside stimuli. Just inside themselves they either are all hot or cold. Katy Perry has a song about it called just that.
   
   (now leave me along I am sick of you ;-)

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      Arachneaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      You're right. I used the infinitive since I was speaking generally, but I should have used the term as it's usually spoken. I'll have to look up that Katy Perry song. I've not heard it. I appreciate your answer.

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   deecoleworldposted 9 years ago

   This phrase means someone that is changeable and all over the place. Example: One minute they are all over you! Fun, engaging and excitable. They are talkative and seem to burst with energy!! That's the hot part. Then they run cold!!! They are not fun, or engaging or excitable anymore. They are actually quiet and cold and detached. That's the cold part. I guess this is used to describe someone who is emotionally extreme.
   P.S. Think of it like that Katy Perry song, Hot n Cold.... "You're hot and you're cold, you're yes and you're no. You're in and You're out. You're up and you're down!!!

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      Arachneaposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I'd not heard the song you reference but your answer makes sense. Sounds like someone with mood swings. Thank you.

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      deecoleworldposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It pretty much is a person with mood swings!!! You're welcome!!

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   Rhonda Lytleposted 9 years ago

   The way I have heard this expression used typically refers to a person who is a bit wishy washy, inconstant and/or wavering.  For example, this is a person who flip flops.  One time they will support one side or position and the next be on the opposite.  Inconstant I think would be the best descriptor.
   
   Also, it can denote a condition of great passion or conviction which turns cold, again, a condition of flip flopping or constant changing of opinion, side, or level of commitment.  It's not the same as someone who simply changes their mind but rather is a condition of constant flux usually depending on what benefits the person in question the most.  Think politicians who change their views before each election.

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