Idiomatic expressions with think

Here is a list of idiomatic expressions using the word think.

Thinking of / about something

When you are thinking of / about something, you are considering it, but you have not made a decision yet.

I am thinking of writing a novel.

She is thinking about moving into a bigger home.

Note that after thinking of/about, we use an –ing form or a noun.

Can’t think straight

When you can’t think straight, you are unable to think clearly.

She was utterly confused and couldn’t think straight.

Don’t even think about / of it

This expression is used to discourage someone from doing something.

‘Mummy, can I wear that skirt to the party?’ ‘Don’t even think about it.’

Do you think…?

This expression is used to politely ask someone to do something.

Do you think you could help me lift this box?

I can’t hear myself think

When you can’t hear yourself think, there is too much noise.

‘Will you turn that music down? I can’t hear myself think.’

You have another think coming

This expression is used to suggest that what you think is wrong.

If he thinks I will lend him the money, he has another think coming. (= He is wrong. I am not going to lend him any money.)

I thought as much

Use this expression to suggest that you are not surprised that something is true.

‘Susie has called off her wedding to Mark.’ ‘I thought as much. He wasn’t the right guy for her.’ (= I am not surprised that she has called off her wedding.)

I wasn’t thinking / I didn’t think

This expression is used for saying that you have upset someone.

I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I wasn’t thinking.