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Region: US | Usage example: Take a deep breath and get a hold of yourself before the speech.

Get a hold of yourself

Meaning

Calm down and compose yourself.

Usage

Used to steady someone who is panicking or upset.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Self-control metaphor referencing physical grasp to steady behavior.

20th-century psychological vernacular.

Related Idioms

Hold your horses

Wait or slow down.

Shoot yourself in the foot

Harm yourself through your own actions.

Pull yourself up by your bootstraps

Rise through effort and self-reliance.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.