in cold blood

Idioms and Phrases

In a purposely ruthless and unfeeling manner, as in The whole family was murdered in cold blood . This expression alludes to the notion that blood is the seat of emotion and is hot in passion and cold in calm. The term therefore means not “in the heat of passion,” but “in a calculated, deliberate manner.” [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

“The police created a crisis and killed him in cold blood.”

From Seattle Times

Hamas has alleged that the bodies include people "executed in cold blood" by Israeli forces, without providing evidence.

From BBC

"She had planned to, and had, killed him in cold blood."

From BBC

The patriarchate said no warning had been given and added: "They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the parish, where there are no belligerents."

From BBC

“They were shot in cold blood inside the premises of the parish.”

From Seattle Times