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get one's act together

Meaning: To get control of oneself mentally or physically; to get organized.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: On the ball is a more subtle way of expressing someone's lack of mental control than get one's act together. Get one's act together emphasizes mental or physical control, whereas get a hold of oneself emphasizes emotional control.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • get someone's dander up — To irritate or anger moderately.
  • get the go-ahead — To receive or grant permission to proceed.
  • get the message — To understand something that is only hinted at, perhaps because it is unpleasant.
  • get this show on the road — To get started.
  • get to the bottom of something — To understand something completely by sorting through all the facts or information.
  • get to the point — To speak or write concisely and directly.

More English idioms

  • get-up-and-go — Physical energy.
  • get up on the wrong side of the bed — To be in a bad mood from the beginning of the day.
  • get someone or something short shrift — To make quick work of something or to give little time to someone.
  • get someone the go-ahead — To get or give permission to proceed.
  • get someone the green light — To get or give permission to proceed.
  • get someone the sack — To be fired from one's job.

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