count to three

1.
United StatesUnited KingdomGeneralinformalcolloquial
- To give a short warning countdown (commonly used with children) indicating that the speaker will take action if the listener does not comply before the count ends.
- To set a brief, imminent deadline for obedience or to enforce discipline.
2.
Generalinformal
- To count aloud to three as a signal for coordinated, simultaneous action (e.g., 'On three, we will...').
3.
Generalinformalcolloquial
- Used metaphorically to suggest that someone lacks basic competence or understanding (as in 'can't count to three'), implying inability to perform a very simple task.

Examples: