As cool as cucumber

Post 34 Keep your cool

Since the days I was taught Figures of Speech in school, I have inculcated an interest in this part of the English language. The most commonly used Figures of Speech are ‘Similes’ and ‘Metaphors’. They add variety to written as well as spoken expression of the language.

Some common similes in common everyday use which I have associated with my life experiences are: as clear as crystal, as easy as A.B.C., as fresh as sea breeze, as loud as a horn, as rough as a storm, as shapeless as an old shoe and many others. However, I have special attachment to the one on ‘as cool as cucumber’.

It is always very cooling and comfortable when, after sleeping for many hours on a pillow, one turns it over and sleeps on the other side. The similes of ‘as cool as cucumber’ can then be changed to ‘as cool as the other side of the pillow’. It aptly describes the cool feeing of one lying on a cool pillow.

It is an art for one to be able to keep cool under pressure or criticism. One ought to take things calmly and not be overcome with emotion. When one learns how to remain unruffled in times of stress and strain, one’s problems will be solved more rationally.

Keep your cool and you will be a happier and healthier person.


23 February 2010