come in from the cold

come in from the cold

if someone comes in from the cold, they become part of a group or an activity which they were not allowed to join before Turkey is now keen to come in from the cold and join the European community. After four years away from the fashion scene, Jasper has come in from the cold with his new 1997 designer collection.

See also: cold, come

---

come in from the cold also bring somebody in from the cold

to become accepted by society I think that country is coming in from the cold - they deal with the outside world a lot more these days. The government wants to see some proof that the rebels want peace before bringing them in from the cold.

Usage notes: usually said about political groups or spies (people who secretly gather information about other countries)

See also: cold, come