Idiom
Cool as a Cucumber: Origin and Meaning
Meaning
Extremely calm, relaxed and in control of your emotions.
Origin
This phrase may have originated from the fact that even in hot weather, the inside of cucumbers are approximately 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Therefore, a person who stays cool, calm and relaxed in a difficult situation can be compared to a cucumber staying cool inside, even in hot weather!
This phrase may have originated from the fact that even in hot weather, the inside of cucumbers are approximately 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. Therefore, a person who stays cool, calm and relaxed in a difficult situation can be compared to a cucumber staying cool inside, even in hot weather!Examples
“I know that Tom was really nervous before his bungee jump but he looked as cool as a cucumber.”
“I don’t understand how you can stay cool as a cucumber when you give presentations to more than 100 people. I get so nervous and I always mix up my words.”
Rob: “When is your job interview?”
Sue: “Tomorrow. I’m so nervous!”
Rob: “Don’t worry. Just act as cool as a cucumber and tell them you’re the best person for the job. You’ll be fine!”
“I don’t understand how you can stay cool as a cucumber when you give presentations to more than 100 people. I get so nervous and I always mix up my words.”
Rob: “When is your job interview?”
Sue: “Tomorrow. I’m so nervous!”
Rob: “Don’t worry. Just act as cool as a cucumber and tell them you’re the best person for the job. You’ll be fine!”
