Meaning
Pull yourself together — To regain control of your emotions and start behaving in a calm, sensible, and rational way after being upset or distressed.
Origin & History
The phrase uses the metaphor of gathering scattered pieces back into a whole — pulling the fragments of yourself back together. It has been in use in English since at least the 19th century.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Take a deep breath and pull yourself together — you can do this. | Encouragement before a challenge |
| After the bad news, it took her a week to pull herself together. | Emotional recovery |
| He had to pull himself together before going back on stage. | Composure under pressure |
How to Use It
Informal. Can sound blunt or harsh; use with care depending on context. Common in direct, spoken English.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
Pull yourself together yourself!
Pull yourself together! — Do not repeat the reflexive; it is already in the phrase.
She pulled her together after the meeting.
She pulled herself together after the meeting. — The reflexive pronoun must match the subject.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Pull yourself together" mean?
"Pull yourself together" means calm down and behave rationally. To regain control of your emotions and start behaving in a calm, sensible, and rational way after being upset or distressed.
Where does the idiom "Pull yourself together" come from?
The phrase uses the metaphor of gathering scattered pieces back into a whole — pulling the fragments of yourself back together. It has been in use in English since at least the 19th century.
Can you give an example of "Pull yourself together" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "Take a deep breath and pull yourself together — you can do this." — used when encouragement before a challenge.
Is "Pull yourself together" formal or informal?
Informal. Can sound blunt or harsh; use with care depending on context. Common in direct, spoken English.
What CEFR level is "Pull yourself together"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a upper-intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "Pull yourself together"?
The most common mistake is getting the articles wrong. Always use the fixed form of the idiom without changing the words. For example: Pull yourself together! — Do not repeat the reflexive; it is already in the phrase.
What idioms are similar to "Pull yourself together"?
Similar idioms include: Get a grip, Compose yourself, Calm down. These share the same general meaning but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "Pull yourself together"?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Pull yourself together" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. Informal. Can sound blunt or harsh; use with care depending on context. Common in direct, spoken English. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "Pull yourself together" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Pull yourself together" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: calm down and behave rationally. Some idioms vary between dialects, but this one is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.