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keep composure

[kiːp ˈkɒmpəʒər]
verb phrase
manter a compostura
1. to remain calm and in control of one's emotions in a difficult or stressful situation
Even when the other player fouled him, he managed to keep composure and continued playing well.
Mesmo quando o outro jogador cometeu uma falta contra ele, ele conseguiu manter a compostura e continuou jogando bem.
2. to stay emotionally balanced and not show signs of anger, fear, or panic
The pilot kept composure during the emergency landing.
O piloto manteve a compostura durante o pouso de emergência.
NYC Slang
keep your cool / don't lose it
Synonyms
remain calmstay composedkeep one's coolmaintain one's coolhold one's nervestay level-headedkeep one's wits about one
Antonyms
lose composurelose one's temperlose controlpanicbecome agitated

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
manter a compostura
most common translation in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
manter a cabeça no lugar
colloquial alternative meaning 'keep one's head in place'
São Paulo
manter a compostura
standard usage
Portugal
manter a compostura
standard European Portuguese equivalent

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep a stiff upper lip
keep one's head
keep one's shirt on
stay cool as a cucumber
not bat an eye
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