IdiomBody & Senses
Swedish
Swedishha is i magen
Meaning: To remain calm and composed under pressure, resisting the urge to act rashly.
Literally: To have ice in the belly
Example: “Målvakten hade is i magen under straffläggningen.” — The goalkeeper was as cool as a cucumber during the penalty shootout.
English equivalent: Cool as a cucumber
Equivalents in other languages
English: cool as a cucumber
Origin: Ice in the belly keeps the nerves cool, so someone with ice in their stomach stays calm and waits instead of acting rashly. The phrase is especially common in sport and politics. No first use is documented.
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