think out loud
think
1. noun, informal An act or instance of careful or considered thought. Why don't we all get together for a fresh think about the issue tomorrow? Hmm, let me have a think about that.
2. adjective, informal Having, involving, or characterized by in-depth thinking. Our company was contracted to produce a think report on the effect of the issue on local infrastructure. The professor went on to form a think tank whose primary goal was to look into ways to solve the housing crisis. She actually wrote a think piece on this topic a couple of years ago for the New York Times.
think out loud
To verbalize one's thoughts, especially when trying to produce a solution or conclusion about something. Those weren't really suggestions for a solution, I was just thinking out loud. OK, so we've got 20 over there, 10 from the last one, five pending—sorry, I was thinking out loud.
See also: loud, out, think
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
think out loud
Fig. to say one's thoughts aloud. Excuse me. I didn't really mean to say that. I was just thinking out loud. Mr. Johnson didn't prepare a speech. He just stood there and thought out loud. It was a terrible presentation.
See also: loud, out, think
(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, thinking
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
think
aloud/out loud To speak one's thoughts audibly.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- butt
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- high, wide, and handsome
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- fire and brimstone