cool as a cucumber

Definition

Calm and composed even in difficult or frustrating situations; self-possessed.

Etymology

First use appears c. 1722 in a translation of Robinson Crusoe. See cite below.

Example Sentences

• "Even during the elections, Josh was as cool as a cucumber."
• "Still he had all his wits about him, and was as cool as a cucumber."
• "1731, Jonathan Swift, Alexander Pope, Miscellanies: The Last Volume Pert as a Pear-Monger I'd be, If Molly were but kind; Cool as a Cucumber could see The rest of Womankind"