collect/gather your wits

collect (one's) wits

To try to calm oneself and think clearly and rationally. Take a moment to collect your wits, then tell us how the accident happened.See also: collect, wit

gather (one's) wits

To try to calm oneself and think clearly and rationally. Sir, you've just been in an car accident. Take a moment to gather your wits, then please tell us what happened. If your opponent starts badgering you during the debate, remember to gather your wits before responding.See also: gather, wit

collect your wits

or

gather your wits

LITERARYIf you collect your wits or gather your wits, you make an effort to control yourself and become calm again, after a frightening or shocking experience. I took a deep breath and tried to gather my wits. The news was so shocking that I was scarcely able to take it in. Sinking into a leather armchair, I attempted to collect my wits and decide what on earth I was going to tell Lucy.See also: collect, wit

gather (or collect) your wits

bring yourself back to a state of equanimity. 1984 Geraldine McCaughrean The Canterbury Tales Poor old man, he was too astonished to speak. And before he could collect his wits, he was sitting at table…with his lord on one side and his daughter on the other. See also: gather, wit

collect/gather your ˈwits

try to become calm and think clearly: After such a shock I found it difficult to gather my wits.See also: collect, gather, wit