Cool heels

Meaning

The idiom "cool heels" means to be calm, composed, or collected under pressure or in difficult situations. It is used to describe someone who remains unflustered and in control, even when faced with challenges or stressors.

Usage

• After the unexpected news about his job loss, John was surprisingly cool and calm, taking it all in stride.
• During the tense negotiation, Sarah remained cool and composed, never losing sight of her objective.
• When the plane was delayed for two hours, Mary took it all in stride, reading a book and sipping on some coffee.
• Despite the hectic schedule, Mike managed to keep his cool and make sure everything was ready for the big presentation.
• When faced with a difficult decision, Sarah always took a step back and evaluated her options calmly before making a choice. The usage of "cool heels" can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may be used to describe someone who is physically relaxed or composed, while in others, it may refer to someone who is mentally or emotionally calm and collected. It can also be used to describe someone who is confident and self-assured, even in challenging situations.

Roots and History

The idiom "cool heels" has its roots in the late 18th century, with the first known use appearing in a collection of proverbs by James Dodsley in 1796. The phrase refers to the coolness of one's feet and is believed to have originated from the idea that calm and composed individuals are capable of maintaining their composure even under pressure, just like keeping their feet cool even in hot weather. Over time, the meaning of "cool heels" has evolved to include a broader range of emotions and behaviors beyond physical composure. Today, it is commonly used to describe someone who is mentally or emotionally composed and capable of handling difficult situations with ease.

Synonyms in English

• Unflustered
• Calm under pressure
• Composed
• Relaxed
• In control

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - Tranquilo/a
• French - Calme
• German - Ruhevoll
• Italian - Rilassato/a
• Dutch - Kalm

Similar Idioms

• cross the line

• curry favour

• cloud nine