nerves of steel
Calm under fire
Nerves of steel describes exceptional composure under pressure—the ability to remain calm and steady when others would panic or falter.
The metaphor suggests nerves as durable and unshakeable as metal: The surgeon has nerves of steel.
Someone with nerves of steel doesn't flinch, tremble, or lose focus in high-stakes situations.
- steelinessUnflinching mental toughness
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- valorCourage in danger
- braveryBoldness before danger
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
boldness · stiff upper lip · perseverance · equanimity · decisiveness · sang-froid · calmness · steadfastness · composure · fearlessness · self-control · unflappable · cool head · daring · inner strength · poise · emotional stability · steady hand
- couragebravery, resilience, fearlessness, boldness, courage
- phrases about braverylion heart, no fear, bold as brass, stand your ground, true grit
- calming phrasesstay calm, calm down, relax, keep your cool, take it easy
- composurecalm, calmness, composure, composed, poise
- perseverancepersist, never give up, tenacity, hang in there, endurance
- superpowerstelekinesis, telepathy, superpower, invisibility, force powers
nerves of steelnervous wreck
Person overwhelmed by anxiety
bundle of nerves · high-strung · basket case · jittery · thin-skinned
nerves of steelcowardice
Absence of bravery
faint-hearted · lily-livered · timid · yellow-bellied · fearful
nerve, nerves, nervous, nervously, nervousness, neural, neuron, neurons, neuronal