collect yourself/your thoughts

collect (oneself)

To compose oneself so that one's actions are not dictated by one's emotions. I know you're angry, so you need to collect yourself before you go in there and say something you'll regret to your boss.
See also: collect
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.

collect yourself/your thoughts


1 try to control your emotions and become calm: I’m fine — I just need a minute to collect myself.
2 prepare yourself mentally for something: She paused to collect her thoughts before entering the interview room.
See also: collect, thought
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (one's) day in court
  • better (to be) safe than sorry
  • better safe than sorry
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • be written all over (one's) face
  • be written all over somebody's face
  • be written all over your face
  • at expense
  • at (one's) expense