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.
See also: collect, thought
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also:
  • collect
  • collect thoughts
  • collect (one's) wits
  • collect your wits
  • collect/gather your wits
  • collect up
  • collection
  • take a collection up
  • take a collection up (for someone or something)
  • take up a collection