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train of thought
01
a series of connected thaughts and ideas, often formed to reach a proper conclusion
![train of [thought] definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44932/original/?type=jpeg "train of [thought] definition and meaning")
What is the origin of the idiom "train of thought" and when to use it?
The idiom "train of thought" originated from the idea that thoughts can be linked together like a series of train cars connected on a track. It was first used in the early 16th century and has since become a common metaphor for the flow of one's ideas or mental processes. This expression is used to describe the sequence of connected thoughts or ideas that run through a person's mind as they think about a particular topic or problem.
Example
The interruption broke his train of thought, and he lost his place in the presentation.
Controlling your train of thoughts not only makes you more productive and effective in your work, it has other, more important benefits as well.
Let me explain my train of thought so you can understand how I reached that decision.
The unexpected question from the audience threw the speaker, causing them to lose their train of thought momentarily.
His notes were scrappy and disorganized, making it hard to follow his train of thought.
