The technique, or an instance, of using likely guesses and assumptions, then narrowing in on any positive responses, in order to give the impression of having information about a person or event.

A sales call either by telephone or personal presence, made without a referral or without preparing the recipient of the call.

To call someone without preparation or referral.

Sudden and complete withdrawal from a dependent substance, especially a drug. / The physiological effects of such a withdrawal.

(idiomatic) Not gradually; all at once. Refers especially to quitting a habit by force of will rather than by a gradual reduction.

A period of hostile relations between rivals where direct open warfare between them is largely undesired and avoided.

(law enforcement, slang) A criminal investigation that has not been solved after a considerable time but remains “on the books” and may be reopened when new evidence appears.

Having an unregulated body temperature; ectothermic. / Lacking emotion or compunction.

(pathology) A chronic abscess that forms slowly, without pain, heat or inflammation.

(metallurgy) Of metal: brittle at low temperatures.