be cool as a cucumber

== English == === Etymology === First use appears c. 1722 in a translation of Robinson Crusoe. See cite below. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === cool as a cucumber (not comparable) (simile, informal) Calm and composed even in difficult or frustrating situations; self-possessed. 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 ==== Synonyms ==== calm, calm as a cucumber, collected, composed, cool, in control, level-headed, rational, self-possessed ==== Translations ==== === See also === cool, calm and collected