Question

in_the_loop_255 to get control of oneself mentally or physically; to get organized Synonyms: on the ball; get a hold of (oneself)

Accepted Answer

GET (ONE’S) ACT/IT TOGETHER Virginia had been lazy on the job for some time. Her boss told her she had better get her act together or she would be looking for another job soon.I don’t know where my mind is these days—I feel so disorganized. I can’t seem to get it together. On the ball is a more subtle way of expressing someone’s lack of mental control than get one’s act together. Get one’s act together emphasizes mental or physical control, whereas get a hold of oneself emphasizes emotional control.

Id	in_the_loop_255
Idiom	GET (ONE’S) ACT/IT TOGETHER
Definition	to get control of oneself mentally or physically; to get organized
Examples	Virginia had been lazy on the job for some time. Her boss told her she had better get her act together or she would be looking for another job soon. I don’t know where my mind is these days—I feel so disorganized. I can’t seem to get it together.
Cross-Refs	Synonyms: on the ball; get a hold of (oneself)
Extra Info	On the ball is a more subtle way of expressing someone’s lack of mental control than get one’s act together. Get one’s act together emphasizes mental or physical control, whereas get a hold of oneself emphasizes emotional control.

Act Control Oneself Job I Hold Mental One’s