Run hot and cold

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Meaning

To flip-flop or waver, up then down.

Origin

From 20th-century America, tied to slang; 'hot and cold' for shift, by 1930s in a tale for waver. A 1940s 'Variety' uses it for a mood.

Variants

  • Run hot

Usage Examples

  • She runs hot and cold-can't tell.
  • Run hot and cold; up and down.
  • Hot then cold-wishy-washy.

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