presence of mind
presence of mind — noun
1. the calm, clear thinking that lets you choose wisely and act at once when someth
the calm, clear thinking that lets you choose wisely and act at once when something suddenly goes wrong
Gabriel kept his presence of mind and turned off the gas.
keep your presence of mind in sudden danger
When the lift stopped, Yasmin had the presence of mind to call security.
have the presence of mind to + verb
The pilot's presence of mind saved the small plane from the storm.
After the crash, Joon showed presence of mind by checking on the children first.
Karim's presence of mind in the kitchen prevented a serious fire.
- composure
stresses outward calm, even if no quick decision follows
- cool-headedness
focuses on staying calm and thinking clearly under pressure
- resourcefulness
stresses finding a practical solution, not just staying calm
文法句型
have the presence of mind to + verb
keep your presence of mind
show presence of mind by + -ing
用法筆記
Usually used with have, keep, or show. It is most natural for quick, steady reactions in danger, shock, or sudden trouble, not for slow planning over time.