...una cabeza fría...

Question

From the context I'm thinking closed minded e.g. "a mind like a steel trap.

The scene is towards the end of this clip: Tiempo Final

steel - 0074b507, Jul 10, 2011

Answer 1

Closed-minded and a mind like a steel trap do not mean the same thing.

Closed-minded means that you are not open to argument or persuasion, stubborn, bull-headed. A mind like a steel trap means that you are very perceptive, astute, nothing gets past ;you.

According to this discussion tener una cabeza fría means that you are level-headed.

Ouch! So I need help with my english, too. ;) - LaloLoco, Jul 10, 2011

It was used in a movie where family members were trying to talk a policeman out of reporting a death. - LaloLoco, Jul 10, 2011

I was thinking of "a mind like a steel trap" (thanks for the spelling assistance) as someone who latches onto an idea and won't let it go. - LaloLoco, Jul 10, 2011

I think that yours is a better context than I used for mind like a steel trap. - 0074b507, Jul 10, 2011

After listening to it again. The character speaking was emphasing the need to be calm and then he sprung the phrase. I had attributed it to the wrong character. Hence I've acepted your definition. - LaloLoco, Jul 10, 2011

Answer 2

Now I'm thinking it almost traslates literally to a cool head, which gives me an idea for the phrasebook:

Las cabezas mas frías irán ganar.

Roughly: Cooler heads will prevail.

Go for it. - 0074b507, Jul 10, 2011

That's the first thing I thought of. - pesta, Jul 11, 2011

Answer 3

mind like a steel trap

to be able to think very quickly, clearly and intelligently She'll be a brilliant lawyer - she has a mind like a steel trap.