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pull yourself together
/pʊl jɔːˈsɛlf təˈɡɛðər/◆idiom
regain control of your emotions
After hearing the bad news, she took a deep breath and said, 'I need to pull myself together.'
She is trying to regain control of her emotions after receiving upsetting information.
informal
to regain control of your emotions and behave calmly after being upset or distressed
When he saw the accident, he had to pull himself together to call for help.
He needed to calm down enough to make a phone call for assistance.
She was crying during the meeting, but she pulled herself together and continued speaking.
She stopped crying and resumed speaking calmly.
Often used in situations where someone is emotionally overwhelmed but needs to act responsibly.
Collocations
pull yourself togetherregain emotional composurepull myself togetherregain my emotional composurepull yourself together nowurgent call to regain composure immediately
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use this phrase
Use this idiom when someone is visibly upset but needs to focus on a task or situation. It implies temporary emotional distress rather than chronic instability.
Gold Rule
Avoid overuse
This phrase is best used sparingly. Overusing it can sound dismissive of someone's genuine emotional state.
Word Origin
The phrase emerged in the early 20th century, combining 'pull' (to exert force) with 'yourself together' (to gather one's emotions or thoughts). The metaphorical image suggests physically gathering scattered emotions into a unified state, as if 'pulling' them into order.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in informal contexts. It can sound patronizing if directed at someone in severe distress. Often used in advice or encouragement rather than criticism.
Word Breakdown
pull
to exert force or effort
verbyourself
reflexive pronoun referring to the person's own emotions
pronountogether
in a unified or organized state
adverbEnglish Dictionary