Cool as cucumber

Meaning

The idiom "cool as a cucumber" means to remain calm and composed under pressure or stressful situations. The phrase is used to describe someone who is unfazed by what might otherwise rattle others. The word "cool" itself means relaxed, while the comparison to a cucumber suggests a sense of unflappability.

• Literal Meaning Describes someone or something that remains calm and composed under pressure.
• Figurative Meaning Refers to someone who is not affected by external factors and maintains their inner coolness.

Usage

• "Even when faced with difficult questions, she remained cool as a cucumber."
• "Despite the chaos around him, the politician remained cool as a cucumber."
• "She was cool as a cucumber during the nerve-wracking presentation."
• "The baby was cool as a cucumber when I put it on my shoulder."
• "He was cool as a cucumber after his long hike."

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "cool as a cucumber" dates back to the 16th century, where it was first used in print by John Heywood in his book "A Dialogue Conteinyng the Nomber in Effect of All the Proverbes in the Englishe Tongue." The phrase comes from an earlier idiom "cool as a fish," which was also used to describe someone who remained calm under pressure. The comparison to a cucumber may have been made because it is often associated with relaxation and refreshment, evoking a sense of tranquility.

Synonyms in English

• Calm
• Composed
• Relaxed
• Serene
• Unfazed

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Tranquillo/a
• French: Calme/e
• German: Ruhevoll
• Italian: Riposato/a
• Russian: Тихой/ая (Tikhoi/aya)

Similar Idioms

• come full circle

• cash in

• come clean