Thread of thought Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A 'thread of thought' is a line or sequence of reasoning or ideas that connects what someone is thinking or saying. If you lose your thread of thought, you forget what you were talking or thinking about.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in conversations about forgetting what you were saying ('lose one's thread of thought'). Commonly paired with verbs like 'follow', 'pick up', 'lose'. Slightly formal but can be used in everyday speech. Not the same as 'train of thought', though both are similar; 'thread' emphasizes connection, 'train' the sequence.
Example Sentences
I lost my thread of thought during the meeting.
basic
Can you follow my thread of thought so far?
basic
She picked up her thread of thought after the interruption.
basic
Wait—where was I? Oh, I just lost my thread of thought.
natural
It can be tough to keep your thread of thought when there are lots of distractions.
natural
His story jumped around so much that I couldn't follow his thread of thought.
natural