count to ten

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

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

From New York Times • Apr. 29, 2022

Additionally, most children leave preschool able to identify a few, if not all, letters and count to ten.

From Slate • Jul. 22, 2021

He can’t count to ten without using his fingers.

From Salon • Feb. 6, 2019

She remembers studying the language for a year — she can count to ten and sing a song — before being pulled out of school to work.

From Time • Aug. 16, 2017

I count to ten and make a run for it.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam