in cold blood

Definition

In a ruthless and unfeeling manner, particularly as applied to first-degree murder committed without provocation and with malice aforethought.

Etymology

From a specialized meaning of cold, referring to lack of empathy.

Example Sentences

• "It was not a suicide! He was murdered in cold blood."
• "Police have arrested a suspect in the murder-robbery of a gold shop in Lop Buri two weeks ago, in which a young child and two adults were killed in cold blood."

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