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A2 adjective #463 most common 6 min read

cold

Top 463

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips cold in 30 Seconds

Explanation cold in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cold' is one of the first adjectives you learn. It is used in very simple sentences to describe the weather or how you feel. You learn it alongside 'hot' as an opposite. At this stage, you focus on literal meanings: 'It is cold today,' 'The water is cold,' or 'I am cold.' You might also learn 'a cold' as a noun for a basic illness, but the adjective form is the priority. The goal is to be able to express basic physical needs, like asking for a blanket or a warm drink because you are cold. You don't need to worry about idioms or metaphorical meanings yet; just focus on the temperature of things you can touch or the air around you.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'cold' in more varied sentence structures. You might use it with adverbs like 'very' or 'quite.' You also start to see it in common phrases like 'cold water' or 'cold weather.' You are expected to distinguish between 'I am cold' (the feeling) and 'I have a cold' (the sickness). You might also encounter 'cold' in simple stories where it describes a character's environment. You should be able to compare temperatures using 'colder than.' For example, 'London is colder than Rome in winter.' This level is about building confidence in using the word to describe the world around you in more detail.

At the B1 level, you start to encounter the metaphorical uses of 'cold.' You might read about a 'cold person' or a 'cold look' in a story. You should understand that 'cold' can describe a lack of emotion. You will also learn common idioms like 'to catch a cold' or 'to get cold feet' (meaning to become nervous). Your usage becomes more precise; you might choose 'chilly' or 'freezing' instead of just 'cold' to be more descriptive. You can participate in conversations about the climate or health where 'cold' is a frequent keyword. You are moving beyond simple descriptions into expressing feelings and abstract concepts.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'cold' fluently in various contexts. You understand more complex idioms like 'to give someone the cold shoulder' or 'to leave someone out in the cold.' You can use 'cold' as an adverb in phrases like 'he stopped cold.' You are aware of the nuances between synonyms like 'frigid,' 'icy,' and 'biting.' In writing, you use 'cold' to create atmosphere or to describe a character's personality with more depth. You can also discuss technical terms like 'cold calling' in a business context or 'cold fusion' in a scientific discussion. Your understanding of the word is now multi-dimensional.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'cold.' You can use it to describe subtle social dynamics or complex emotional states. You might use it in academic writing to describe a 'cold analysis' (one that is purely logical and lacks emotion). You are familiar with literary uses and can appreciate how authors use the concept of cold to symbolize isolation or death. You can use rare idioms and understand the historical or cultural origins of phrases involving 'cold.' Your choice of 'cold' versus its synonyms is always deliberate and based on the specific tone you want to achieve in your communication.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'cold' is equivalent to that of an educated native speaker. You can use the word in all its literal, metaphorical, and idiomatic forms with ease. You can play with the word in puns or creative writing. You understand the most obscure uses, such as 'cold' meaning 'completely' in 'cold sober.' You can navigate the finest nuances of meaning in legal, medical, or technical documents where 'cold' might have a very specific definition. You are able to use the word to convey precise shades of meaning, whether you are writing a poem, a technical report, or engaging in a high-level debate.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

cold in 30 Seconds

Cold primarily describes a low temperature in the environment or an object, serving as the direct opposite of the word hot in most contexts.
It is frequently used to describe human emotions and social behavior, indicating a person who is unfriendly, detached, or lacks empathy and warmth.
The word functions as both an adjective for temperature and a noun for a common viral illness, requiring careful context to distinguish between the two.
Common idioms like 'cold feet' or 'cold shoulder' expand its meaning into the realms of nervousness and social rejection in everyday English speech.

The word cold is one of the most fundamental adjectives in the English language, primarily used to describe a low temperature that is below the level of comfort or the average state of the environment. While its most basic application refers to the physical sensation of the atmosphere or an object, its utility extends far beyond the thermometer. In a literal sense, we use it to talk about the weather, the state of our food, or the feeling of our skin when exposed to winter air. However, the word also carries significant metaphorical weight, often describing human emotions, social interactions, and even physical states of consciousness.

Physical Temperature: This refers to objects or environments that lack heat. For example, a cold drink or a cold room. It is the opposite of hot or warm.

The morning air was so cold that I could see my breath as I walked to the station.

Beyond the physical, 'cold' describes a lack of emotion or friendliness. If someone is described as a 'cold person,' it implies they are detached, unempathetic, or unfriendly. This social application is crucial for intermediate learners to understand, as it shifts the meaning from a sensory experience to a personality trait. Furthermore, in specific contexts like sports or games, 'cold' can mean a lack of success or being far from a target (as in the game 'hot or cold').

Emotional Distance: Used to describe someone who does not show feelings or kindness. 'She gave him a cold look.'

His cold response to the news surprised everyone who knew him.

In the realm of health, 'cold' is also a noun referring to a common viral infection. However, as an adjective, it describes the sensation of illness. In business, 'cold calling' refers to contacting someone without prior introduction. This diversity of usage makes 'cold' a versatile tool in any speaker's vocabulary, bridging the gap between simple sensory descriptions and complex social nuances.

Unprepared Action: Doing something without preparation or warming up. 'He went into the exam cold.'

The salesman made fifty cold calls before lunch today.

Using 'cold' correctly requires understanding its position in a sentence and the nouns it typically modifies. As an adjective, it can appear before a noun (attributive) or after a linking verb like 'be', 'feel', or 'get' (predicative). The nuances change depending on the subject. For instance, 'I am cold' describes a personal sensation, whereas 'It is cold' describes the ambient temperature of the environment.

Describing Weather: Usually paired with 'it' as a dummy subject. 'It's getting cold outside.'

Even though it was sunny, the wind made the day feel quite cold.

When describing objects, 'cold' is straightforward. However, when describing people, you must distinguish between physical state and personality. 'He is cold' could mean he needs a jacket, or it could mean he is mean-spirited. To avoid confusion, English speakers often use 'feeling' for the physical state: 'He is feeling cold.' For personality, they might say 'He has a cold personality.'

Describing Food/Drink: Used to indicate that something intended to be hot has lost its heat. 'My soup is cold.'

I prefer cold pizza for breakfast the next morning.

In more advanced structures, 'cold' can be used as an adverb in specific idioms like 'to stop cold' or 'to leave someone cold.' These usages imply a suddenness or a total lack of impact. Mastering these patterns allows a learner to move from basic descriptions to expressive, idiomatic English that sounds natural to native speakers.

Intensified States: Using adverbs to show extreme cold. 'It is bitterly cold in January.'

The engine died cold in the middle of the highway.

You will encounter 'cold' in almost every daily interaction. In casual conversation, it is the go-to word for discussing weather and comfort. In the workplace, you might hear it in the context of 'cold calling' or 'cold leads' in sales and marketing. In literature and film, 'cold' is often used to set a somber or frightening mood, describing 'cold blooded' killers or 'cold, dark nights.'

In the Kitchen: Chefs talk about 'cold storage' or 'cold prep' areas.

Make sure the butter is cold before you mix it into the pastry dough.

In news reporting, 'cold cases' are unsolved crimes that are no longer being actively investigated. This usage highlights the metaphorical 'loss of heat' or momentum in a situation. In medical contexts, doctors might ask if you are 'sensitive to cold' or if you have 'cold symptoms,' though they will usually specify if they mean the temperature or the virus.

In Law Enforcement: Detectives often work on 'cold cases' from decades ago.

The trail went cold after the witness disappeared.

One of the most frequent errors for non-native speakers, particularly those from Romance or Slavic language backgrounds, is the confusion between 'I am cold' and 'I have a cold.' In many languages, the physical sensation of low temperature is expressed using the verb 'to have.' In English, saying 'I have cold' is grammatically incorrect. You must use 'to be' for the sensation ('I am cold') and 'to have' for the illness ('I have a cold').

The 'Be' vs 'Have' Trap: Wrong: 'I have cold.' Correct: 'I am cold.'

If you say 'I have a cold,' people will think you are sick with a cough and sneeze.

Another common mistake is using 'cold' when 'chilly' or 'cool' would be more appropriate. 'Cold' usually implies discomfort. If you like the temperature because it is refreshing, 'cool' is the better choice. Using 'cold' to describe a person can also be accidentally offensive; if you just mean they are serious, 'reserved' or 'formal' is safer than 'cold,' which implies a lack of human heart.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that describe different degrees of 'cold.' 'Chilly' is slightly cold, often used for a brisk autumn day. 'Frigid' is extremely cold, often used in scientific or geographical contexts (like the frigid zones). 'Icy' implies the presence of ice or a temperature so low it feels like ice. 'Freezing' is the point at which water turns to ice, but is commonly used as an exaggeration for any very cold temperature.

Chilly vs. Cold: Chilly is mild and often requires just a light sweater; cold requires a heavy coat.

The frigid waters of the Arctic are home to many unique species.

When describing people, alternatives to 'cold' include 'aloof,' 'detached,' 'unfriendly,' or 'stony.' 'Aloof' suggests someone is keeping their distance, while 'stony' suggests a lack of reaction or emotion, like a stone. Understanding these synonyms allows for more precise communication and helps you avoid overusing the word 'cold' in your writing and speech.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'cold' is related to the Latin word 'gelu' (frost), which is where we get the word 'gelato' and 'gelatin'!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kəʊld/

US /koʊld/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

bold gold fold hold sold told old mold

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'called' (/kɔːld/).
Missing the 'd' sound at the end.
Pronouncing the 'c' like an 's'.
Confusing it with 'gold'.
Making the 'o' too short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but watch out for 'be' vs 'have'.

Speaking 2/5

Simple to say, but idioms are harder.

Listening 1/5

Very distinct sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Hot Weather Water Feel Ice

Learn Next

Chilly Freezing Temperature Climate Shiver

Advanced

Frigid Hypothermia Aloof Detached Thermal

Grammar to Know

Adjectives after linking verbs

The soup *tastes* cold.

Dummy subject 'It'

*It* is cold in here.

Comparatives

Today is *colder* than yesterday.

Superlatives

This is the *coldest* winter ever.

Adjectives as nouns

He came in from the *cold*.

Examples by Level

It is very cold today.

Il fait très froid aujourd'hui.

Subject 'It' refers to the weather.

I want a cold drink.

Je veux une boisson fraîche.

Adjective 'cold' before the noun 'drink'.

The water is cold.

L'eau est froide.

Predicative use after 'is'.

Are you cold?

As-tu froid ?

Question form of 'to be' + adjective.

My hands are cold.

Mes mains sont froides.

Plural subject with 'are'.

It is a cold night.

C'est une nuit froide.

Adjective modifying 'night'.

Put on a coat, it is cold.

Mets un manteau, il fait froid.

Imperative followed by a reason.

The food is cold now.

La nourriture est froide maintenant.

Adverb 'now' indicates a change in state.

Winter is colder than autumn.

L'hiver est plus froid que l'automne.

Comparative form 'colder than'.

I have a cold and a headache.

J'ai un rhume et mal à la tête.

Here 'cold' is a noun meaning illness.

She gave me a cold smile.

Elle m'a fait un sourire froid.

Metaphorical use for 'unfriendly'.

It was quite cold yesterday morning.

Il faisait assez froid hier matin.

Adverb 'quite' modifies 'cold'.

Do you like cold weather?

Aimes-tu le temps froid ?

Compound concept 'cold weather'.

The milk is too cold to drink.

Le lait est trop froid pour être bu.

'Too' + adjective + 'to' + verb.

I feel cold in this room.

J'ai froid dans cette pièce.

Verb 'feel' used with the adjective.

He lives in a cold country.

Il vit dans un pays froid.

Attributive adjective.

He got cold feet before the wedding.

Il a eu les jetons avant le mariage.

Idiom meaning 'to become nervous'.

The radiator is cold; is the heat off?

Le radiateur est froid ; le chauffage est-il éteint ?

Semi-colon connecting related ideas.

She was left out in the cold by her friends.

Elle a été délaissée par ses amis.

Idiom meaning 'to be excluded'.

It’s bitterly cold outside today.

Il fait un froid de canard dehors aujourd'hui.

Adverb 'bitterly' for intensity.

I caught a cold after walking in the rain.

J'ai attrapé un rhume après avoir marché sous la pluie.

Collocation 'catch a cold'.

The soup went cold while we were talking.

La soupe a refroidi pendant que nous parlions.

Verb 'go' indicating a change of state.

He has a very cold manner.

Il a des manières très froides.

Describing personality/behavior.

I prefer cold brew coffee in the summer.

Je préfère le café infusé à froid en été.

Specific term 'cold brew'.

The detective was working on a cold case.

Le détective travaillait sur une affaire classée.

Compound noun 'cold case'.

She gave him the cold shoulder at the party.

Elle lui a battu froid à la fête.

Idiom meaning 'to ignore someone'.

The engine stopped cold in the middle of the road.

Le moteur s'est arrêté net au milieu de la route.

Adverbial use meaning 'suddenly/completely'.

It was a cold-blooded murder.

C'était un meurtre de sang-froid.

Compound adjective 'cold-blooded'.

He was knocked cold by the falling branch.

Il a été assommé par la branche qui tombait.

Idiom 'knocked cold' meaning unconscious.

The company started cold calling potential clients.

L'entreprise a commencé à prospecter par téléphone.

Business term 'cold calling'.

His argument left me cold.

Son argument m'a laissé de marbre.

Idiom meaning 'to fail to interest or move'.

The trail went cold after the suspect fled.

La piste s'est refroidie après la fuite du suspect.

Metaphorical use for a lost lead.

The report provided a cold, hard look at the facts.

Le rapport a jeté un regard froid et lucide sur les faits.

Collocation 'cold, hard facts'.

He is a cold fish who rarely shows emotion.

C'est un pince-sans-rire qui montre rarement ses émotions.

Idiom 'cold fish' for an unemotional person.

The winter air was biting and cold.

L'air hivernal était mordant et froid.

Pairing 'biting' and 'cold' for emphasis.

She faced the cold reality of her situation.

Elle a fait face à la dure réalité de sa situation.

Metaphorical 'cold reality'.

The machine was stone cold by the time we arrived.

La machine était complètement froide à notre arrivée.

Intensifier 'stone cold'.

They were left out in the cold during the negotiations.

Ils ont été laissés pour compte pendant les négociations.

Figurative use in a professional context.

The pianist played with a cold, technical precision.

Le pianiste a joué avec une précision technique froide.

Describing an artistic style lacking soul.

He went into the presentation cold, without notes.

Il est allé à la présentation sans préparation, sans notes.

Adverbial use meaning 'without preparation'.

The chilling wind was a harbinger of the cold front.

Le vent glacial annonçait le front froid.

Meteorological term 'cold front'.

He was cold sober despite the late hour.

Il était parfaitement sobre malgré l'heure tardive.

Idiom 'cold sober' meaning completely sober.

The poem evokes the cold, desolate beauty of the tundra.

Le poème évoque la beauté froide et désolée de la toundra.

Literary use for atmosphere.

His cold calculation surprised even his allies.

Son calcul froid a surpris même ses alliés.

Describing a ruthless logical process.

The engine was cold-started in sub-zero temperatures.

Le moteur a été démarré à froid par des températures négatives.

Technical term 'cold-started'.

The news was a cold comfort to the grieving family.

La nouvelle n'était qu'une piètre consolation pour la famille en deuil.

Oxymoron 'cold comfort' (not very helpful).

She has the ability to recall facts cold.

Elle a la capacité de se rappeler des faits instantanément.

Adverbial use meaning 'from memory without help'.

The stark, cold lighting of the gallery emphasized the art.

L'éclairage cru et froid de la galerie soulignait l'art.

Describing aesthetic qualities.

Synonyms

chilly freezing icy cool frosty frigid

Antonyms

hot warm burning

Common Collocations

cold weather

cold water

cold hands

cold wind

cold look

cold beer

cold winter

cold air

cold food

cold morning

Common Phrases

catch a cold

— To become sick with a common virus. Usually involves sneezing and a sore throat.

Wear a scarf so you don't catch a cold.

cold brew

— Coffee made by soaking grounds in cold water for a long time. It is served cold.

I'll have a large cold brew, please.

cold cuts

— Slices of cold cooked meat, often used for sandwiches. Common in delis.

We bought some cold cuts for the picnic.

cold shower

— A shower taken with cold water, often used to wake up or cool down.

A cold shower is very refreshing in the morning.

cold storage

— A place where things are kept cold to preserve them. Often used for food.

The apples are kept in cold storage.

cold front

— A weather term for a mass of cold air moving into an area. It usually brings rain.

A cold front is moving in from the west.

cold comfort

— Something that is supposed to make you feel better but doesn't really help. A poor consolation.

His apology was cold comfort after the damage was done.

cold snap

— A sudden, short period of very cold weather. Often unexpected.

The flowers died during the spring cold snap.

cold call

— To call someone you don't know to try and sell them something. Common in sales.

I hate getting cold calls during dinner.

cold feet

— To become nervous about doing something you planned. Often used for weddings.

He got cold feet and didn't jump out of the plane.

Often Confused With

cold vs Cool

Cool is usually pleasant; cold is usually uncomfortable.

cold vs Called

They sound similar but 'called' is the past of 'call'.

cold vs Gold

The starting sound is different ('k' vs 'g').

Idioms & Expressions

"give someone the cold shoulder"

— To intentionally ignore someone or be unfriendly to them. Usually because of a disagreement.

After their fight, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.

informal

"get cold feet"

— To lose courage or become too nervous to complete a planned action. Very common.

She was going to perform, but she got cold feet at the last minute.

neutral

"in cold blood"

— To do something (usually a crime) without emotion or mercy. Often used for murder.

The crime was committed in cold blood.

formal

"out cold"

— To be completely unconscious, usually from a hit or from deep sleep. Very informal.

He was out cold for ten minutes after the accident.

informal

"leave someone out in the cold"

— To exclude someone from a group or a benefit. To not let someone participate.

The new policy left the smaller companies out in the cold.

neutral

"stone cold"

— Completely cold. Often used for food or as an intensifier for 'sober' or 'certain'.

My coffee is stone cold.

informal

"pour cold water on something"

— To be negative about someone's ideas or plans. To discourage someone.

Don't pour cold water on her dreams.

neutral

"cold turkey"

— To stop a habit (like smoking) suddenly and completely, rather than slowly.

He quit smoking cold turkey.

informal

"a cold fish"

— A person who is very unfriendly and does not show any emotion. A negative description.

He's a bit of a cold fish, isn't he?

informal

"blow hot and cold"

— To keep changing your mind or your feelings about something or someone.

He keeps blowing hot and cold about the new job.

neutral

Easily Confused

cold vs Chilly

Both mean low temperature.

Chilly is slightly cold, often just enough to need a sweater. Cold is more intense.

It's chilly in the shade, but cold in the wind.

cold vs Freezing

Both mean low temperature.

Freezing is much colder than cold; it is the temperature where water turns to ice.

It's not just cold; it's freezing!

cold vs Frigid

Both mean low temperature.

Frigid is a formal or scientific word for extremely cold.

The frigid temperatures of the Antarctic.

cold vs Icy

Both mean low temperature.

Icy specifically implies the presence of ice or a feeling like ice.

The roads are icy today.

cold vs Cool

Both mean low temperature.

Cool is often positive (refreshing), while cold is often negative (uncomfortable).

A cool breeze on a hot day is nice.

Sentence Patterns

It is [adjective].

It is cold.

I am [adjective].

I am cold.

The [noun] is [adjective].

The water is cold.

A [adjective] [noun].

A cold day.

It is [adverb] [adjective].

It is very cold.

To get [adjective].

I'm getting cold.

To feel [adjective].

I feel cold.

[Adjective] and [adjective].

Cold and lonely.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and literature.

Common Mistakes

I have cold. → I am cold.
In English, we use the verb 'to be' to describe our physical state of temperature.
The weather is very gold. → The weather is very cold.
Don't confuse the 'c' sound in 'cold' with the 'g' sound in 'gold'.
I catch a cold yesterday. → I caught a cold yesterday.
The past tense of 'catch' is 'caught'.
He is a cold man. → He is a cold person.
While 'cold man' is okay, 'cold person' or 'he is cold' is more natural when describing personality.
It's freezing cold. → It's freezing.
While 'freezing cold' is used, 'freezing' alone is usually enough and more common.

Tips

Be vs Have

Always use 'to be' when you feel the temperature. 'I am cold.' Use 'to have' only for the sickness. 'I have a cold.'

Degrees of Cold

Learn the scale: Cool -> Chilly -> Cold -> Freezing -> Frigid. This helps you be more precise.

Small Talk

Use 'It's cold today' as an easy way to start a conversation with someone you don't know.

Cold Shoulder

If someone is ignoring you, you can say they are giving you the 'cold shoulder.' It's a very common idiom.

Atmosphere

Use the word 'cold' to make a scene feel lonely, scary, or serious in your creative writing.

The Final D

Make sure you pronounce the 'd' at the end of 'cold.' If you don't, it might sound like 'coal.'

Cold Food

Remember that 'cold' for food is often negative unless it's something like ice cream or salad.

Cold Calling

In business, 'cold' means you haven't talked to the person before. It's a useful term for sales.

Catching a Cold

The phrase is always 'catch a cold.' You don't 'get a cold' as often as you 'catch' one.

Cold Hearted

Be careful calling someone 'cold-hearted.' It's a very strong way to say they are mean.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a **C**one of **OLD** ice cream. It is **COLD**.

Visual Association

Imagine a blue ice cube with the word COLD written on it in white letters.

Word Web

Ice Snow Winter Blue Shiver Coat Fridge Unfriendly

Challenge

Try to use the word 'cold' three times today: once for weather, once for food, and once for a feeling.

Word Origin

The word 'cold' comes from the Old English word 'ceald,' which has Germanic roots. It is related to the Dutch 'koud' and the German 'kalt.'

Original meaning: The original meaning was simply 'cool' or 'cold,' referring to temperature.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Calling a person 'cold' is a significant insult in many cultures as it implies a lack of humanity.

Small talk about how cold it is is a national pastime in the UK and Canada.

'Cold' by Maroon 5 (song) 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote (book) The 'Cold War' (historical period)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

It's freezing.
A cold snap.
Bitterly cold.
Cold front.

Health

Catch a cold.
Common cold.
Cold symptoms.
Head cold.

Social

Cold shoulder.
Cold fish.
Cold look.
Cold response.

Food

Cold drink.
Cold brew.
Cold cuts.
Serve cold.

Business

Cold call.
Cold lead.
Cold email.
Cold outreach.

Conversation Starters

"It's really cold today, isn't it?"

"Do you prefer hot weather or cold weather?"

"What is the coldest place you have ever visited?"

"How do you stay warm when it is cold outside?"

"Do you like drinking cold coffee in the morning?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you were extremely cold. What happened?

Do you think you have a 'warm' or 'cold' personality? Why?

Write about your favorite thing to do on a cold winter day.

How does the cold weather change your mood or your routine?

What are the pros and cons of living in a cold climate?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It can be both! As an adjective, it describes temperature ('cold water'). As a noun, it refers to the illness ('I have a cold') or the state of being cold ('come in from the cold').

You should say 'I am cold.' Do not say 'I have cold,' as that is a common mistake for learners whose native language uses 'have' for temperature.

Chilly is a lighter version of cold. If you are chilly, you might want a sweater. If you are cold, you definitely need a coat.

Yes, but it's usually negative. A 'cold person' is someone who is unfriendly, distant, or doesn't show emotions.

It's an idiom that means you are getting nervous about something you planned to do, like getting married or giving a speech.

Not exactly. Iced coffee is hot coffee cooled down. Cold brew is made by soaking coffee grounds in cold water for many hours.

A cold snap is a sudden, short period of very cold weather that happens unexpectedly.

It means someone is unconscious, perhaps because they were hit on the head or they are in a very deep sleep.

Yes, in specific phrases like 'to stop cold' (to stop suddenly) or 'to go into something cold' (without preparation).

The most common opposite is 'hot.' For a milder version, the opposite of 'cold' is 'warm.'