Definition
Also – “have ice water in (one’s) veins”
If someone is described as having ice in their veins, then they are a person who is able to stay very calm and not get nervous even in stressful situations.
It is commonly used in sporting contexts.
For example – “The 18 year old tennis player had ice in his veins and won his first match easily at the grand slam tournament.”
Clip 1
The Great – Season 1 Episode 10 (2020)
The main character Catherine says, “A leader must show the people they have ice in their veins,” when her planned coup against Emperor Peter begins to fall apart. She decides to deviate from a carefully prepared plan with little violence after Peter becomes aware of the plot to overthrow him. Catherine decides to take bolder and riskier action instead, including sacrificing her romantic interest Leo to be held hostage by Peter. The phrase shows her understanding that a leader must appear strong and willing to make tough choices, no matter the personal cost.
Clip 2
Mercy – (2023)
The female character Michelle and the male character Frank are both surgeons who used to work as military doctors. Frank tells Michelle he remembers her successfully performing complicated medical procedures in the middle of war-zones and uses the phrase “But you have always had ice in your veins,” as a way to compliment her ability to always be able to stay calm under pressure.
Clip 3
Miss Scarlet and the Duke – Season 1 Episode 4 (2020)
William ‘The Duke’ Wellington asks his Superintendent if he is going to be promoted to chief inspector in the police force. The superintendent tells William he will not be promoted and that he has given the position to another officer named Hudson instead. Surprised by this, William questions Hudson’s experience level but the Superintendent replies that he served in war with Hudson’s father and that “His whole family have ice in their veins,” as a way to justify Hudson’s promotion.
Clip 4
Joe Burrow’s Interview on Sky Sports – (2022)
After the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Tennessee Titans in the AFC playoffs thanks to a field goal by kicker Evan Macpherson, quarterback Joe Burrow describes his teammate as “ice in his veins” in an interview post match. Burrow uses this phrase to describe Macpherson’s success rate from field goals in high pressure games despite his young age.