hear (oneself) think

hear (oneself) think

To be able to think clearly and without distraction. This phrase is commonly used in the negative, when one cannot concentrate on anything due to overwhelming noise or some form of distraction. Can you turn down that blaring music? I can't hear myself think! There's so much construction going on during the day that you can't even hear yourself think over the chorus of jackhammers. I'm going to the library—where I'll be able to hear myself think.See also: hear, think