ter sangue frio

You use this phrase to describe a personality trait or a specific reaction. You can say someone tem sangue frio as a general compliment. Or you can say they teve sangue frio during a specific crisis. It works exactly like a verb phrase. Just conjugate the verb ter (to have) to match the person you are talking about. It is very versatile and fits naturally into most sentences.

Use it when someone handles a difficult conversation without losing their temper. It is perfect for describing a friend who negotiates a lower price at a market. You can use it at work when a colleague fixes a major error under a tight deadline. It also fits perfectly when watching sports or action movies. If a player scores a last-minute penalty, they definitely have sangue frio.

Do not use this to mean someone is literally cold. If your friend needs a jacket, do not say they have sangue frio. That would be very confusing! Also, avoid using it to describe someone who is just bored or indifferent. Sangue frio implies there is pressure to resist. If there is no pressure, you are just being relaxado or tranquilo. Using it for a serial killer is common in movies, but maybe avoid that in polite brunch conversation.

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, people are often seen as very expressive and passionate. Because of this, staying calm is highly respected. It is seen as a sign of maturity and strength. Historically, it was a trait associated with noble explorers or brave soldiers. Today, it is the mark of a professional. It suggests you are the person everyone can rely on when things go wrong.

You might hear people say manter o sangue frio. This means 'to maintain' your cool during the event. Another common one is agir a sangue frio. This is slightly different and often more negative. It means doing something calculated or cruel without any emotion. Stick to ter sangue frio if you want to sound positive and impressed by someone's nerves of steel.