What Does “count to ten” mean?
Definition:
If someone asks you to count to ten, they are advising you to take a moment to calm down. The phrase is often used when someone is angry.
Origin of the idiom
This phrase may not necessarily mean to, literally, count to the number ten. It only means that if someone takes the time to calm down, this may prevent them from reacting angrily to something.
Example(s)
Count to ten before you do something silly.
Don’t make hasty decisions! Count to ten so you don’t end up screwing things up.
This idiom is in the numbers category.
