cool to the brink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cool to the brink" is not a standard expression in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used to describe a situation where someone is very calm or composed, but is on the verge of losing that composure. Example: "Despite the chaos around him, he remained cool to the brink, only showing signs of stress when the deadline approached."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Throughout this near-insanity, Cronenberg keeps his cool, to the brink of refrigeration.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These days, it's impolite to mention that all those cool bankers that President Cool didn't punish enough brought the country to the brink of disaster.

The New York Times

That kind of cool-headedness might drive glum employees to the brink of exasperation.

TechCrunch

I don't want to be the kind of person who risks her dignity, her cool command of a situation, after being pushed to the brink of madness by a minor breach in laundry etiquette.

The New York Times

Greece needs to go to the brink.

The New York Times

"I pushed Michelle to the brink — unapologetically".

The New York Times - Books

But only to the brink.

The New York Times - Sports

No margins, they run to the brink.

The Guardian - Books

The investments later soured, driving the economy to the brink.

The New York Times

"They'll lend right up to the brink," he said.

The New York Times

The country still looks uncomfortably close to the brink.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cool to the brink" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is maintaining composure or stability under immense pressure or nearing a critical point. It's most effective when the potential for losing control is evident.

Common error

Avoid using "cool to the brink" when describing situations that are merely challenging but not intensely stressful or critical. The phrase implies a very high level of pressure and potential for failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cool to the brink" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, suggesting a state of maintained composure near a critical threshold. Ludwig examples show its use in describing both individuals and situations under pressure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cool to the brink" describes maintaining composure near a critical point, as Ludwig's examples show. Though grammatically sound, it is not a common expression. Ludwig AI identifies its primary function as adjectival, emphasizing precarious situations or remarkable self-control. While best suited to neutral or slightly elevated registers, overuse can diminish its impact. Alternatives such as "on the verge of losing it" or "at the breaking point" offer similar meanings with different nuances. The phrase should be reserved for situations of intense pressure to maximize its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of losing it

Focuses on the emotional aspect of nearly losing control.

at the breaking point

Emphasizes the idea of reaching a limit beyond which something will break.

close to the edge

Highlights proximity to a dangerous or unstable situation.

near the limit

A more general phrase indicating nearness to any kind of limit.

pushed to the limit

Emphasizes the action of being brought near the breaking point by external forces.

at wit's end

Specifically refers to reaching the limit of one's mental resources or patience.

barely holding it together

Describes the state of struggling to maintain composure or stability.

on thin ice

Highlights being in a precarious or risky situation.

stretched to capacity

Implies that available resources or abilities are almost completely used.

on the razor's edge

A more dramatic way to say very close to danger or failure.

FAQs

How can I use "cool to the brink" in a sentence?

You can use "cool to the brink" to describe someone or something maintaining composure under immense pressure. For example, "Despite the market crash, the CEO remained "cool to the brink", reassuring investors."

What's a similar phrase to "cool to the brink"?

A similar phrase is "on the verge of losing it", but it specifically focuses on emotional control. Other options include "at the breaking point" or "close to the edge".

Is "cool to the brink" a common expression?

No, "cool to the brink" isn't a very common expression. While grammatically correct, it's more impactful because of its relative infrequency. Overusing it may diminish its impact.

Can "cool to the brink" be applied to non-human subjects?

Yes, "cool to the brink" can be used metaphorically to describe systems or situations. For example, "The server was running "cool to the brink", processing an unexpected surge in traffic."