play it cool
Feign casual indifference
To play it cool is to remain calm and composed, especially when you might naturally feel anxious, eager, or emotional.
The phrase often suggests strategic restraint—not revealing excitement or interest: She was dying to call him back, but decided to play it cool.
It can also mean staying calm under pressure: When the cops showed up, he played it cool.
Impossible to disturb
- collectedCalm and self-possessed
- poisedCalm and controlled
- level-headedCalm and sensible
- coolheadedCalm when stressed
self-possessed · steady · controlled · self-controlled · measured · equanimous · unbothered · unruffled
Calmly unconcerned
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- dispassionateFree from emotional involvement
unconcerned · blasé · casual · offhand · unbothered · unimpressed · poker-faced · deadpan
Not immediately obvious
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- low-keyRestrained and understated
- guardedWary and restrained
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
prudent · circumspect · tactful · diplomatic · reserved · restrained · strategic · calculated
unflappable
Impossible to disturb
- collectedCalm and self-possessed
- poisedCalm and controlled
- level-headedCalm and sensible
coolheaded · self-possessed · steady · controlled · self-controlled · measured · equanimous · unbothered · unruffled · imperturbable
nonchalant
Calmly unconcerned
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- indifferentLacking interest or concern
- detachedApart or uninvolved
dispassionate · unconcerned · blasé · casual · offhand · unbothered · unimpressed · poker-faced · deadpan · expressionless
subtle
Not immediately obvious
- understatedDeliberately minimized in expression
- low-keyRestrained and understated
- guardedWary and restrained
cautious · prudent · circumspect · tactful · diplomatic · reserved · restrained · strategic · calculated · shrewd
play it coollose one's cool
Become visibly upset
freak out · have a meltdown · flip out · fly off the handle · blow up
play it cooljump the gun
Start before permitted
show one's hand · tip one's hand · overplay one's hand · fly by the seat of one's pants · rush in
play it coolpanic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
freak out · lose one's head · run around like a chicken with its head cut off · sound the alarm · raise hell
play, cool, plays, played, playing, player, players, playful, playfully