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Region: General | Usage example: They needed a week to pick up the pieces after the product failure.

Pick up the pieces

Meaning

Recover after a setback.

Usage

Used when reorganizing after losses.

Origin & History

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

Image of collecting broken fragments after an accident.

Used in recovery stories since the 19th century.

Related Idioms

Bone to pick

A grievance one wants to discuss.

Get back in the saddle

Return to an activity after a setback.

Go back to square one

Restart from the beginning after a setback.

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.