collect dust
To be in a state of disuse for a prolonged period of time. Why do you want another video game console? You already have three collecting dust under the television! My father has lots of old trinkets and memorabilia collecting dust in the attic.
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.
collect (one's) thoughts
To pause and think before speaking or taking action. Can I please just have a second to collect my thoughts before I respond? Susie paused to collect her thoughts and come up with a tactful response to her seething sister.
collect around someone or something
to gather around someone or something; to accumulate around someone or something. The guests collected around the table that held the birthday cake. The children collected around the birthday boy.
collect (money) for someone or something
to solicit money for the benefit of someone or something. I would like to collect some money for Fred, who is in the hospital. I am collecting for the church building fund.
collect (money) for something
to solicit money that is owed. I'm collecting money for payment on your loan. Someone is calling to collect for the newspaper delivery.
collect on something
to take or receive payment on a debt or promise. I have come to collect on your debt. I will have to assign your account to an agency to collect on this bill.
collect one's thoughts
Fig. to take time to think through an issue; to give some thought to a topic. I'll speak to the visitors in a moment. I need some time to collect my thoughts.
collect something from someone
1. to gather up something from someone; to gather money from someone. I'm here to collect used clothing from you. She is out collecting donations from the neighbors.
2. to take a medical specimen from a person. I am here to collect a urine specimen from the patient. The phlebotomist collected the specimen from Todd and left the room.
collect something up
to gather something up. Collect your things up, and let's go. I collected up all my luggage and left.