E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Shoulder.
Showing the cold shoulder. Receiving without cordiality some one who was once on better terms with you. (See COLD.)
1
The government shall be upon his shoulders (Isaiah ix. 6). The allusion is to the key slung on the shoulder of Jewish stewards on public occasions, and as a key is emblematic of government and power, the metaphor is very striking.
2
Straight from the shoulder. With full force. A boxing term.
3
“He was letting them have it straight from the shoulder.”—T. Tyrell: Lady Delmar, chap. v.
