pull yourself together
Meaning
To regain control of your emotions or behavior after being upset, and act calmly and sensibly.
Origin
From the literal idea of gathering oneself up (physically pulling scattered parts together), it became a metaphor for collecting your thoughts and emotions and regaining composure.
Notes
Often used as advice or a sharp reprimand meaning “calm down and act sensibly.” Imperative use can sound blunt or unsympathetic depending on context.
Examples
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After the bad news, she stepped outside to pull herself together.
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Pull yourself together and tell me what happened.
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He took a deep breath and pulled himself together before the meeting.
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I know you're stressed, but you need to pull yourself together and focus.
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Give her a minute—she's trying to pull herself together.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Commonly imperative (“Pull yourself together”). Uses a reflexive pronoun that changes with the subject (myself/yourself/himself, etc.). Tense can vary (“pulled myself together”). “Together” is fixed.
Synonyms
- get a grip
- compose yourself
- collect yourself
- calm down
Antonyms
- fall apart
- lose it
- panic