count to ten

Meanings

verbcount to ten (third-person singular simple present counts to ten, present participle counting to ten, simple past and past participle counted to ten)

present singular third person counts to ten · participle present counting to ten · participle past counted to ten · past counted to ten · alternative count to 10

idiomaticinformalAn expression used to describe or recommend a process for pausing to regain one's composure when one is on the verge of losing one's temper.
We need to step back, take a deep breath and count to ten.
2007 April 15, Gary Miller, “Letters to the Editor”, in New York Times, retrieved 10 Jul 2015
2 more examples
There is a temptation at this point to jump up and down, shouting about how often you have asked about that point. Instead, count to ten.
1994 June 10, Kay Ewbank, “Computers: Confessions of a database designer”, in Independent, UK, retrieved 10 Jul 2015
Bok believes that media violence undermines . . . psychological mechanisms that allow people to bounce back and to count to 10 before they lash out.
2001 June 24, John Cloud, “Of Arms And The Boy”, in Time, retrieved 10 Jul 2015