cold as a mackerel

Definitions

1. 1

   Very cold (in temperature, emotionally, etc.).

   • In some areas our audiences enjoyed the music; in others they were cold as a mackerel.
2. 2

   Completely unconscious.

   • She had just slid forward in a pile in front of the chair, on top of her nice hat. She was as cold as a mackerel.
   • He said: Queenie, I think I’m going to pass out and before I do, I’m going to give you a piece of advice […] and he said quite solemnly: Queenie, always stick to Bach and the early Italians—and passed out cold as a mackerel.

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