cold as charity en · ADJ
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
An ironic reference to the cold-hearted nature of much so-called charity, which should naturally be warm.
Meanings
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(humorous, not-comparable, qualifier:simile, rare) Very cold, whether in temperature or in demeanour.
"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."
1883, Tinsley's magazine, conducted by E. Yates, volume 33, page 28: