cool as a cucumber

Idioms and Phrases

Calm and composed, self-possessed, as in Despite the mishap Margaret was cool as a cucumber . This idiom may be based on the fact that in hot weather the inside of cucumbers remains cooler than the air. [c. 1600] For a synonym, see cool, calm, and collected .

Example Sentences

The “Dances With Wolves” Oscar winner, accompanying his fourth feature behind the camera, arrived at the movie’s Cannes festival premiere Sunday as cool as a cucumber, sporting shades, a wry smile and a neat mustache, but by the time he accepted the gala audience’s extended standing ovation, Costner was visibly moved.

From Los Angeles Times

There on the carpet was Lamont, cool as a cucumber, as if we’d taken ages.

From Literature

Mom is usually as cool as a cucumber and, as family fights go, this one was only about a 4 on a scale of 10; I’ve seen Mom reach out and catch sandwiches we kids have hurled at each other without losing her page in the book she was reading.

From Literature

They found the faulty part, did the maintenance and we are now cool as a cucumber.

From Seattle Times

One of the waiters turns to Carrie and Seema and, cool as a cucumber, tells them to hand over their necklace and pinkie ring.

From New York Times

Related Words

• comfortable
• composed
• cool
• easygoing
• laid-back
• peaceful
• placid
• poised
• quiet
• sedate
• smooth
• tranquil
• unflappable