get a grip
Meaning
Calm down and control your emotions, or face reality and take control of the situation.
Origin
From the literal idea of getting a firm physical hold (“grip”) on something; by the mid-20th century it broadened to mean gaining mental control or a realistic hold on a situation.
Notes
Often said as an imperative (“Get a grip!”). It can sound blunt or scolding, implying the person is overreacting or being unrealistic.
Examples
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Get a grip—you’re panicking over nothing.
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She finally got a grip and apologized for what she said.
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If you don’t get a grip on your spending, you’ll be in debt again.
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He told himself to get a grip and focus on the next step.
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I know it’s frustrating, but you need to get a grip and keep going.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as the imperative “Get a grip!” or “Get a grip on yourself.” Also “get a grip on (something)” = understand/control it. Limited variation; article “a” is fixed.
Synonyms
- calm down
- pull yourself together
- get it together
- compose yourself
- come to your senses
Antonyms
- lose control
- panic
- freak out