go hot and cold

go hot and cold (all over)

To suddenly experience feelings of fear, anxiety, or unease, especially when they are triggered by a particular memory. I went hot and cold all over when I remembered how that dog lunged at me. I went hot and cold as I watched the truck swerve into my lane—and then everything went black. Shelly went hot and cold all over as she remembered the fortune teller's ominous words.

See also: and, cold, go, hot

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

go hot and cold

experience sudden feelings of fear, embarrassment, or shock.

1973 Anthony Price October Men His wife had said…that she had gone ‘all hot and cold’ after nearly being run over.

See also: and, cold, go, hot

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

go ˌhot and ˈcold (all ˈover)

(informal) suddenly feel very worried, upset or frightened when you remember something very unpleasant: I go hot and cold all over when I think of that train accident. It was so terrible.

See also: and, cold, go, hot

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017