lose your cool
/luːz jɔː kuːl/
Meaning
This expression means to lose your temper, patience, or self-control in a stressful, annoying, or provocative situation. 'Cool' refers to a calm state of mind, so losing it means becoming visibly angry or upset. It is widely used in casual, everyday English.
Examples
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I'm sorry I lost my cool during the meeting yesterday.
I'm sorry I lost my cool during the meeting yesterday.
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It's hard not to lose your cool when customers are being rude.
It's hard not to lose your cool when customers are being rude.
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He completely lost his cool when he saw the dent in his car.
He completely lost his cool when he saw the dent in his car.
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Take a deep breath so you don't lose your cool.
Take a deep breath so you don't lose your cool.
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She is usually very patient, but today she finally lost her cool.
She is usually very patient, but today she finally lost her cool.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He lost his cold during the argument.
✓ He lost his cool during the argument.
The correct noun is 'cool', which acts as a noun meaning calm composure in this idiom.
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✗ Don't lose your cool mind.
✓ Don't lose your cool.
Do not add 'mind' or other nouns after 'cool'. The idiom is simply 'lose your cool'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Even though they were shouting at him, he refused to ___.
💡 Lose his temper or calm composure
Show answer
lose his cool
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I almost ___ when the computer crashed for the third time.
💡 Became angry and lost my patience
Show answer
lost my cool