take the count

count angels on pinheads

To focus on obtaining the correct details of something which are largely irrelevant or unimportant.

count noses

To count people one at a time.

count one's blessings

To focus one's attention on the circumstances of one's life which are pleasant or fortunate, especially with the intention of diverting one's thoughts from serious or disagreeable matters.

count one's days

To prepare for imminent retribution or termination.

count sheep

To attempt to go to sleep by thinking of something boring, traditionally by counting imaginary sheep.

count to five

Synonym of count to ten.

count to ten

An 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.

count to three

Synonym of count to ten.