a sangre fría
Lemma Details
Translation: in cold blood; cold-bloodedly; with premeditation
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'a' (in/with), 'sangre' (blood, from Latin 'sanguis'), and 'fría' (cold, from Latin 'frigidus'). The metaphorical expression refers to actions performed deliberately, without emotion or passion, similar to how cold-blooded animals regulate their body temperature based on external conditions rather than internal mechanisms. The English equivalent 'in cold blood' shares the same imagery and meaning.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El asesino mató a su víctima a sangre fría.
The murderer killed his victim in cold blood.
Fue un crimen cometido a sangre fría, sin ninguna emoción.
It was a crime committed in cold blood, without any emotion.
Los testigos describieron cómo el ladrón a sangre fría amenazó a todos en el banco.
Witnesses described how the robber cold-bloodedly threatened everyone in the bank.
Mnemonics
- Think of a reptile (cold-blooded animal) planning an attack - calculating and emotionless.
- Imagine blood that's cold (not hot with passion) to remember this refers to actions done without emotion.
- Associate with the English phrase 'in cold blood' which has the same meaning and structure.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in legal and journalistic contexts to describe premeditated crimes, especially murders. It appears frequently in crime reporting and legal proceedings. The phrase has gained additional cultural significance through Truman Capote's famous non-fiction novel 'In Cold Blood' (1966), which has been translated into Spanish as 'A Sangre Fría'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a sangre fría' refers to doing something deliberately without emotion (in cold blood), 'con sangre fría' typically refers to having composure or self-control in difficult situations.
Confused word:
Actuó con sangre fría durante la emergencia.
He acted with composure during the emergency.
Notes: The preposition makes a significant difference in meaning, though both phrases relate to emotional control.
Mnemonic: 'A sangre fría' (with 'a') is about the Action being cold-blooded; 'con sangre fría' (with 'con') is about the Character having composure.
Explanation: This phrase refers to warm-blooded animals or passionate, impulsive people - essentially the opposite of 'a sangre fría'.
This word:
Planeó el ataque a sangre fría durante meses.
He planned the attack in cold blood for months.
Confused word:
Es una persona de sangre caliente que actúa por impulso.
He's a hot-blooded person who acts on impulse.
Notes: These phrases represent opposite emotional states when taking action.
Mnemonic: Cold blood (fría) = calculated; Hot blood (caliente) = heated/passionate.