Pull yourself together

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does Pull yourself together mean? In what situations is Pull yourself together used?

Meaning of "Pull yourself together"

Meaning

The idiom ‘pull yourself together’ is a phrase used to encourage someone who may be feeling overwhelmed or is in a state of distress. It is used as a way to help someone regain composure and control in a difficult situation. It can also be used to stop someone from losing their temper or to encourage them to think more rationally.

Etymology

This idiom is of unknown origin, but its exact origin is thought to have come from the phrase, ‘pull yourself together man’. This phrase was commonly used in the late 1800s in England and America when men were encouraged to be strong, brave and stay composed during difficult times.

Usage

The phrase is often used to remind someone to remain calm, composed and resilient during a time of crisis and to regain control of their emotions. It is often considered friendly advice, and often used as a way to encourage someone to maintain their composure.

Example Sentences

• Come on, pull yourself together. You can do this.
• Take a deep breath and pull yourself together. Things will work out.
• John, you're getting too worked up. Pull yourself together and take a minute to think things through.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.