kuːl æz ə ˈkjuːkʌmbər
Food & Cooking
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- As cool in temperature as a cucumber
What does "cool as a cucumber" mean?
- Very calm and composed, especially under pressure
- Not showing anxiety or stress
Examples
- Despite the chaos, she remained cool as a cucumber.
- He walked into the exam cool as a cucumber.
- The pilot was cool as a cucumber during the emergency.
Origin
From the 18th century, based on the observation that cucumbers remain cool inside even in hot conditions (about 20 degrees cooler than the air temperature). John Gay used it in his poem 'New Song on New Similes' (1732).
How to use it
Positive expression for admirable composure. Often used with a sense of admiration for staying calm.
Similar expressions
calm and collected
unflappable
composed
Opposites
hot and bothered
flustered
panicked
Related idioms
- piece of cake
Something very easy to do
- a piece of cake
Something very easy to do
- in a nutshell
In a very brief or concise form
- an apple a day keeps the doctor away
Eating fruit or having a healthy diet helps maintain good health
- bite off more than you can chew
To take on more responsibility or work than one can handle
- don't put all your eggs in one basket
Don't risk everything on a single opportunity
Use it in a practice answer
Try "cool as a cucumber" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.