Grammar fix
cool off
become less angry
To become less angry or upset, usually after having some time alone.
phrasal verb
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We were both too angry to talk, so we went outside to cool off.
When I get angry, I usually go for a walk to cool off instead of saying something I might regret.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I need to cool off myself before we talk.
Say: I need to cool off before we talk.
For becoming calmer, use 'cool off' without a reflexive object; 'cool yourself off' usually means make your body cooler.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Stop being upset or excited
What calms downAny upsetAnger
calm downThe everyday choice for any upset, anger or excitement.settle downOften noisy, excited people or children getting quiet.
cool offYou're here · Becoming less angry, often after time apart.