An attempt to blame and punish people who hold unpopular views and opinions, often under the guise of some other investigation. The ruling party's witch hunt against its detractors sparked a civil war.
and *cold as a welldigger's feet (in January); *cold as a witch's caress; *cold as marble; *cold as a witch's tit; *cold as a welldigger's ears (in January)
very, very cold; chilling. (Use caution with ass. *Also: as ~.) Bill: How's the weather where you are? Tom: Cold as a welldigger's ass in January.By the time I got in from the storm, I was as cold as a welldigger's feet.The car's heater broke, so it's as cold as a welldigger's ears to ride around in it.She gave me a look as cold as a witch's caress.
an attempt to find and punish people who have opinions that are believed to be dangerous Senator McCarthy led a witch-hunt against suspected communists during the 1950's.