cool off
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to become colder or less hot after being in the sun or exercising.
to undergo a reduction in temperature. Intransitive or transitive use.
Simple“We went for a swim in the lake to cool off after our long hike.”
In context“The engineers had to wait for the turbine to cool off completely before they could safely perform the necessary maintenance.”
UsageCan be used without an object ('the soup is cooling off') or with one ('the rain cooled the city off').
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to stop feeling angry or excited after a stressful situation.
to regain emotional composure or reduce the intensity of one's temper.
Simple“Give him a few minutes to cool off before you try to talk to him again.”
In context“The manager suggested that both employees take a short break to cool off before continuing the mediation session.”
Teacher's tipThis is a very common and safe idiom to use in both professional and personal contexts.
Synonymscalm downsettle downAntonymslose one's temper - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to stop being excited about an idea, a plan, or a person.
to experience a decline in enthusiasm or interest, often followed by the preposition 'on'.
Simple“I was excited about the trip at first, but I've cooled off on the idea lately.”
In context“Investors have cooled off on the tech sector recently, preferring to put their capital into more stable, traditional industries.”
UsageUsually takes the preposition 'on' when followed by an object.
Synonymslose interestAntonymswarm to
contrast with 'cool down', which is almost identical but more common for physical exercise; 'cool off' often implies a return to a comfortable state from an uncomfortably hot one.