count to ten

1. Calm down, get hold of oneself. For example, Before you tell him what you think of him, count to ten. Often used as an imperative, this phrase in effect means that if one takes the time to count from one to ten one can regain one's composure.

Example Sentences

Ella started to count to ten, but before she got to five, she heard the pitter-patter of tiny feet and spotted the big black noses of several rotties peeking their heads out from behind columns.

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“She taught him how to make Indian tea and how to count to ten in Telugu,” Ms. Naini said.

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“If you’re not in the dining room by the time I count to ten, you’ll have to pay a fine.”

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“It’s not fair. You didn’t count to ten,” Mr. Muse said, laughing and turning red like a tomato.

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"Come on, Canton. Count to ten with me. One, two, three..."

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