keep one's knickers on
Don't get upset
Keep one's knickers on is a British expression meaning to stay calm or be patient, typically said to someone who is getting agitated or impatient.
It's mildly dismissive, suggesting the person is overreacting to something that doesn't warrant such excitement.
Keep your knickers on—the shop doesn't close for another hour.
The American equivalent is keep one's pants on or keep one's shirt on.
- simmer downBecome less agitated
- hold your horsesRequest for patience
- take a chill pillAdvice to de-stress
- cool your jetsCommand to calm oneself
- settle downBecome calm or established
sangfroid · self-control · restraint · temperance · equanimity · forbearance · level-headedness · poise · composure · steadiness · calmness · calm down · cool it · keep your cool · take it easy · easy does it · tolerance · serenity
keep one's knickers onlose one's temper
React with sudden anger
fly off the handle · lose one's cool · blow one's top · blow a fuse · get one's knickers in a twist