count to ten
To take a moment to calm down, especially when angry, before doing anything rash or hasty. Used as an imperative, it can but doesn't necessarily mean to literally count to the number ten. I know your boss said some unfair things about you, but just go count to ten so you don't end up saying something that gets you fired. Hey, buddy, let's count to ten before you end up doing something you regret, hmm? Judging by the look on his face, I knew Bill wasn't going to count to ten or anything of the sort. He was furious, and he was going to make his fury known.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
count to ten
Calm down, get hold of oneself. For example, Before you tell him what you think of him, count to ten. Often used as an imperative, this phrase in effect means that if one takes the time to count from one to ten one can regain one's composure.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
count to ten
count to ten under your breath in order to prevent yourself from reacting angrily to something.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017