1.
to try to control your emotions and become calm :
I'm fine—I just need a minute to collect myself.
2.
to prepare yourself mentally for sth :
She paused to collect her thoughts before entering the interview room.
1.
to try to control your emotions and become calm :
I'm fine—I just need a minute to collect myself.
2.
to prepare yourself mentally for sth :
She paused to collect her thoughts before entering the interview room.
Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary. Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне. 2005