pull oneself together: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pull oneself together’ mean?
The idiom "pull oneself together" means to regain control of one's emotions or behavior after being upset, distracted, or disorganized. It implies the need to gather one's thoughts or compose oneself in order to handle a difficult or challenging situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "sort oneself out" means to resolve or address one's own problems or issues independently, without needing assistance or intervention from others. It implies taking responsibility for one's situation and finding a way to improve it.
The idiom "roll up one's sleeves" means to prepare for hard work or to get ready to tackle a difficult task.
The idiom "rise to the occasion" means to perform exceptionally well or exceed expectations when faced with a challenge or difficult situation.
The idiom "redeem oneself" means to improve one's reputation or regain respect by doing something good or making up for past mistakes.
The idiom "ready up" means to prepare or get ready for a particular task or event. It implies taking action to be fully prepared and organized.
The idiom *put one's mind to it* means to concentrate or focus one's thoughts and efforts on a particular task or goal.
The idiom "put one's house in order" means to organize and arrange one's personal or professional affairs so that they are in a proper state or condition.
The idiom "pull one's finger out" means to start taking action or making an effort after a period of inactivity or procrastination.
When someone "pulls oneself up by one's bootstraps," it means they are achieving success or improving their situation through their own efforts, without any external help.
FAIL
The idiom "pull oneself together" is a commonly used expression in English. It means to regain composure, control, or stability after experiencing a setback, emotional distress, or disorganization. In other words, it's about gathering one's thoughts, emotions, or actions to restore order or efficiency. It's a call to collect oneself mentally, emotionally, or physically and present a composed or coherent front to the world.
The idiom can be used in different contexts, such as personal relationships, work environments, or stressful situations. It serves as a motivational phrase to encourage someone to overcome challenges or as a reminder to oneself to regain control and focus. It suggests that the person is capable of regaining their composure and moving forward.
The origins of the idiom "pull oneself together" are unclear, as there are limited historical records or documented usage. However, similar idioms with the same meaning have been used since ancient times. In ancient Roman, Greek, and Chinese literature, individuals were advised to harness their inner strength, gather their thoughts, or regain self-control in the face of adversity.
Another related idiom is "get oneself together." This expression has a similar meaning to "pull oneself together" and is often used interchangeably. It also emphasizes the idea of regaining composure, control, or stability after a setback. It implies a self-directed effort to gather one's thoughts, emotions, or actions in order to restore order or efficiency.
Similarly, the idiom "get one's act together" is closely related to "pull oneself together" and "get oneself together." It means to organize oneself, improve one's behavior or performance, or become more efficient. It suggests a need for self-improvement, taking control, and being more focused.
Overall, the idiom "pull oneself together" is a widely recognized and used expression in English. It conveys the idea of regaining composure, control, or stability after experiencing a setback. While the exact origins of the idiom are uncertain, its meaning and usage have remained consistent over time. The phrase continues to be employed in various contexts as a motivational reminder or to offer emotional support.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "pull oneself together" can be used in a sentence:
- After a few minutes of crying, she managed to pull herself together and continue the presentation.
- He needed some time alone to pull himself together after receiving the shocking news.
- Despite the difficult circumstances, she was determined to pull herself together and start afresh.
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