calm and collected
Cool under pressure
Calm and collected describes a state of composed self-possession, especially under pressure.
The phrase pairs two words with overlapping meanings for emphasis—calm suggests emotional steadiness, while collected adds the sense of having one's thoughts gathered and organized.
She remained calm and collected during the cross-examination.
The expression often describes people who maintain control when others might panic or become flustered.
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- tranquilityUndisturbed peacefulness
- pauseTemporary cessation of activity
- deep breathsFull, slow inhalations
- hushAbsence of sound
keeping your cool · equanimity · resilience · temperance · level-headedness · cool head · grace under pressure · meditation · composure · cool as a cucumber · anchor · poise · breath · sangfroid · poker face · serenity · inner peace · even-keeled
calm and collectedpanicked
Overwhelmed by sudden fear
frantic · hysterical · agitated · anxious · frenzied
calm and collectedfrantic
Wildly anxious or desperate
out of control · unhinged · wild · chaotic · erratic
calm and collectedconfused
Unable to understand
muddled · befuddled · scatterbrained · discombobulated · disoriented
calm, collected, calmed, calming, calmly, calmness, calmer, calmest, collect