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remain composed

[/rɪˈmeɪn kəmˈpoʊzd/]
verb phrase
manter-se calmo/a; manter a compostura
1. To stay calm and in control of one's emotions, especially in a difficult or stressful situation
Despite the chaos around him, he managed to remain composed during the interview.
Apesar do caos ao seu redor, ele conseguiu manter a compostura durante a entrevista.
2. To maintain a dignified and controlled demeanor
The actress remained composed when asked the difficult question.
A atriz manteve-se calma quando lhe fizeram a pergunta difícil.
NYC Slang
keep it together; stay cool
Synonyms
stay calmkeep one's coolmaintain composurekeep a stiff upper lipremain unflappable
Antonyms
lose composurefall apartpanicbecome agitatedlose one's temper

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
manter-se calmo/a; manter a compostura
Standard usage in Brazilian Portuguese
Rio de Janeiro
ficar na sua; manter a calma
More colloquial usage in Rio dialect
São Paulo
manter-se calmo/a; manter a compostura
Standard formal usage
Portugal
manter a compostura; ficar sereno/a
European Portuguese equivalent

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep one's head
not bat an eye
take it in stride
manter-se sereno/a em qualquer circunstância
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