Pull yourself together
Meaning
To regain control of one's emotions and composure, especially after being upset or distressed.
Origin
The phrase "pull yourself together" evokes a vivid physical image of someone literally gathering their scattered thoughts and emotions, or straightening their slumping posture. It's a call to reassert physical and mental cohesion, as if one's very being has come undone. While its precise moment of creation is not definitively recorded, the expression gained widespread usage in the 19th century, a period that often emphasized stoicism and resilience. It served as a terse, often forceful, command for individuals to regain composure and face difficulties without succumbing to emotional disarray, reflecting a societal value placed on internal fortitude and self-command.
Examples
- After hearing the devastating news, she took a deep breath and tried to pull herself together before facing her family.
- The coach yelled at the team during halftime, urging them to pull themselves together and focus on winning the game.