collect (one's) thoughts

collect (one's) thoughts

To pause and think before speaking or taking action. Can I please just have a second to collect my thoughts before I respond? Susie paused to collect her thoughts and come up with a tactful response to her seething sister. I had to collect my thoughts in my car for a bit before I could go inside and tell my boss I was resigning.

See also: collect, thought

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

collect one's thoughts

Fig. to take time to think through an issue; to give some thought to a topic. I'll speak to the visitors in a moment. I need some time to collect my thoughts.

See also: collect, thought

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.