to gather one's thoughts
6
4.4
- idiom
:
organizar los pensamientos
- We need to gather our thoughts here.
- pause to gather our thoughts
- a moment to gather my thoughts
- try to gather my thoughts
Examples
-
I need some time alone... to gather my thoughts before the press conference.
-
"My father passed away when I was nine," he began, speaking slowly, as if gathering his thoughts.
Fiction book (2001) -
Give me a minute to gather my thoughts.
-
I was gathering my thoughts before I called you.
-
I take a minute to gather my thoughts.
Fiction book (2000) -
Her being late was a good thing as it allowed me a few minutes to gather my thoughts.
Blog text (15) -
I just needed a moment to gather my thoughts and be logical and put the world back into rational perspective.
-
If you'll give me a moment to gather my thoughts, I'll give you a statement.
Fiction book (1999) -
I needed to find sanctuary in a place where I could gather my thoughts and regain my strength.
-
I need some time alone to gather my thoughts before making a decision.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To use your mind to consider something carefully
105
3.2
To look at all the details and what may happen before you decide
98
3.4
Stop for a short time to think, rest or remember something
14
3.9
To think carefully about something for a while before deciding
6
4.3
To take time to put your ideas in order and calm down before you speak
5
7.7
Put your thoughts and feelings in order after a time of confusion
4
3.5
To pause and imagine how your words will affect others before you say them
1
3.9
To stop thinking about upsetting or confusing thoughts to feel calmer
1
7.2
To organize your thoughts and feelings after feeling confused or upset
To make your ideas clear and organized after feeling confused
Antonyms
How Clear
33
4.7
1
3.9
6
4.4
346
1.0
318
2.5
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly derivable from combining 'gather' (collect) with 'one's thoughts' (one's ideas)—i.e. to collect or organize your ideas before speaking. This compositional pattern (collecting mental contents) is common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will likely infer the intended sense.
Etymology
Gather one's thoughts comes from the image of collecting scattered things: to gather is to pick up and bring together, and thoughts are the ideas in your head. So, when you 'put your ideas in order' you pause to collect and organize your thinking before you speak or decide.