thinking (redirected from nice thinking)

(I'm) (just) thinking out loud.

Fig. I'm saying things that might better remain as private thoughts. (A way of characterizing or introducing one's opinions or thoughts. Also past tense.) Sue: What are you saying, anyway? Sounds like you're scolding someone. Bob: Oh, sorry. I was just thinking out loud. Bob: Now, this goes over here. Bill: You want me to move that? Bob: Oh, no. Just thinking out loud.

See also: loud, out

put one's thinking cap on

Fig. to start thinking in a serious manner. (Usually used with children.) It's time to put our thinking caps on, children. All right now, let's put on our thinking caps and do some arithmetic.

See also: cap, put

to someone's way of thinking

in someone's opinion. This isn't satisfactory to my way of thinking. To my way of thinking, this is the perfect kind of vacation.

See also: way

wishful thinking

believing that something is true or that something will happen just because one wishes that it were true or would happen. Hoping for a car as a birthday present is just wishful thinking. Your parents can't afford it. Mary thinks that she is going to get a big raise, but that's wishful thinking. Her boss is so tight with money.

---

can't think straight  also not be thinking straight

if you can't think straight, you are not thinking calmly and clearly about something I was so tired I wasn't thinking straight any more. There are so many people talking, I just can't think straight.

See also: straight, think

put your thinking cap on

to start to think seriously about how to solve a problem Let me put my thinking cap on and see if I can come up with an answer.

See also: cap, put

the thinking man's/woman's crumpet  (British humorous)

a man or woman who is popular with the opposite sex because they are both intelligent and sexually attractive Paxman has apparently grown weary of being labelled the thinking woman's crumpet.

See can't think straight

wishful thinking

thinking or talking about something that you would very much like to happen although you know it probably will not happen 'Do you think you might be in line for promotion, then? 'No, it's just wishful thinking.'