noun
aplomb
uh-PLOM/əˈplɑːm/
Calm self-confidence, especially under pressure.
The presenter handles the failed projector with aplomb and continues calmly.
Etymology
Lead supplied the weight on a plumb line, giving the phrase its image of being upright and balanced. That physical steadiness became the figurative steadiness of someone confidently composed under pressure.
More examples
- The host recovered from the microphone failure with aplomb.
- He greeted the hostile audience with remarkable aplomb.
- Her aplomb reassured everyone waiting backstage.