pʊl jɔːrˈself təˈɡeðər
Emotions
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Gathering your scattered parts
What does "pull yourself together" mean?
- To regain composure and self-control
- To calm down and act rationally
Examples
- Pull yourself together—we need to focus.
- She pulled herself together and finished the presentation.
- I had to pull myself together after hearing the bad news.
Origin
From the idea of gathering one's scattered emotions or thoughts into a coherent whole. Used since the early 1900s.
How to use it
Can sound harsh if said to someone genuinely distressed. Often self-directed.
Similar expressions
compose yourself
calm down
get a grip
regain control
Opposites
fall apart
lose control
break down
Related idioms
- hang in there
To persevere during difficult times
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- get cold feet
To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- on top of the world
Feeling extremely happy and successful
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- blow off steam
To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
Use it in a practice answer
Try "pull yourself together" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.