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to get one's act together
2-
to pull oneself together
3-
to get a hold of oneself
4-
to get one's shit together
5-
to bite one's tongue
6-
get one's ducks in a row
7-
to button one's lip
8-
in hand
9-
out of one's system
10-
to keep a lid on something
11-
to clean up one's act
12-
a straight face
13-
to pour oil on troubled waters
14-
to take something in stride
15-
to keep something in proportion
16-
to keep a level head
17-
to collect one's thoughts
18-
mind over matter
19-
to get a grip on oneself
20-
to keep one's head
to [get] {one's} act together
to get one's act together
Frase
uk flag
/ɡɛt wˈʌnz ˈækt təɡˈɛðɚ/
empezar a comportarse como es debido

empezar a comportarse como es debido

Idiom
Informal

to start to organize oneself for better results and more efficiency

example
Ejemplo
Click on words
He needs to get his act together if he wants to succeed in his career.
She always procrastinates, but it's time for her to get her act together and start meeting deadlines.
What is the origin of the idiom "get one's act together" and when to use it?

The idiom "get one's act together" originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The exact origin of the expression is unclear, as it evolved through informal and colloquial usage. It is often used when someone is perceived as being disorganized, lacking focus, or under performing and needs to make positive changes.

to [pull] {oneself} together
to pull oneself together
Frase
uk flag
/pˈʊl wʌnsˈɛlf təɡˈɛðɚ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to regain control over one's emotions, particularly after a period of being upset or angry

What is the origin of the idiom "pull oneself together" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "pull oneself together" can be traced back to the English language, but its exact origin is unclear. The expression has been in use for quite some time and has become a common idiom in the English lexicon. It likely emerged from the concept of physically bringing different parts or elements together to form a cohesive whole. It is commonly used when someone is experiencing moments of distress, anxiety, grief, or overwhelming emotions and needs to gather themselves to face the situation with clarity and resilience.

to [get] a hold of {oneself}
to get a hold of oneself
Frase
uk flag
/ɡɛt ɐ hˈoʊld ʌv wʌnsˈɛlf/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to force oneself to stop behaving in an uncontrollable manner, particularly in face of a difficult or unexpected situation

What is the origin of the idiom "get a hold of oneself" and when to use it?

The idiom "get a hold of oneself" has its origin in English and dates back to the mid-19th century. The word "hold" in this context refers to gaining control or regaining composure. The expression emphasizes the need to regain control over one's emotions, actions, or thoughts in challenging or overwhelming situations. It is typically used in various contexts or occasions where there is a need to emphasize regaining composure, self-control, or emotional stability. I

to [get] {one's} shit together
to get one's shit together
Frase
uk flag
/ɡɛt wˈʌnz ʃˈɪt təɡˈɛðɚ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Offensive

to start to act more organized in order to achieve better results and become more skillful or efficient

What is the origin of the idiom "get one's shit together" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "get one's shit together" is rooted in colloquial and informal language, making it challenging to pinpoint a specific origin. It is believed to have emerged in American English in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity in the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s. The expression likely evolved as a metaphorical way of describing the need to have personal matters, responsibilities, and emotions in order. This expression is often used to describe individuals who demonstrate competence, stability, and a clear direction in their lives. It can be used in conversations about personal development, professional achievements, financial stability, or overall life management.

to [bite|hold] {one's} tongue
to bite one's tongue
Frase
uk flag
/bˈaɪt ɔːɹ hˈoʊld wˈʌnz tˈʌŋ/
morderse la lengua

morderse la lengua

Idiom
Informal

to not say something, against one's wish, in order to avoid causing an argument or upsetting someone

What is the origin of the idiom "bite one's tongue" and when to use it?

The idiom "bite one's tongue" has its origins in the English language and dates back to at least the 16th century. The expression alludes to the literal act of biting down on one's own tongue to prevent oneself from speaking. It is commonly employed when someone wants to refrain from speaking their mind, opinions, or criticisms in order to maintain peace, avoid conflicts, or prevent hurting others' feelings.

[get|have] {one's} ducks in a row
get one's ducks in a row
Oración
uk flag
/ɡɛt hæv ˈɔːl ʌv wˈʌnz dˈʌks ˌɪnɐ ɹˈoʊ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to get everything in order for something that is about to happen or one is going to do, particularly in order to avoid mistakes

What is the origin of the idiom "get one's ducks in a row" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "get one's ducks in a row" can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged from the imagery of a mother duck leading her ducklings in a straight line or row. It is commonly used in professional settings, such as project management, event planning, or business operations, to emphasize the need for careful organization and attention to detail.

to [button|zip] {one's} [lip]
to button one's lip
Frase
uk flag
/bˈʌʔn̩ zˈɪp wˈʌnz lˈɪp/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to not say anything or immediately stop talking, particularly so as not to reveal a secret or make matters worse

What is the origin of the idiom "Button one's lip" and when to use it?

The idiom "Button one's lip" or "Button your lip" has its origin in the early 20th century. The word "button" here means to fasten or close, and "lip" refers to the mouth or lips. The idiom suggests the action of closing or fastening one's lips together, symbolizing keeping them shut and not speaking or revealing something. It is used to advise someone to remain silent or keep a secret. It This idiom can be used in various occasions, such as when someone is tempted to reveal classified information, when discussing private matters that should remain undisclosed, or when urging someone to refrain from sharing gossip or spreading rumors.

in hand
in hand
Frase
uk flag
/ɪn hˈænd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

(of a situation) completely under one's control

out of hand
What is the origin of the idiom "in hand" and when to use it?

The idiom "in hand" originated from Old English and has its roots in the literal sense of physically holding or grasping something in one's hand. The word "hand" has been used in various languages throughout history to signify control, power, or possession. It is frequently used in professional settings, such as business, project management, or organizational contexts, to indicate that a task or project is under control and progressing well.

out of {one's} [system]
out of one's system
Frase
uk flag
/ˌaʊɾəv wˈʌnz sˈɪstəm/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

no longer desiring something or feeling strong emotions about someone

What is the origin of the idiom "out of one's system" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "out of one's system" is not definitively documented, but it is believed to have originated in colloquial English during the 19th or early 20th century. The phrase draws on the idea of removing or expelling something from within oneself, akin to purging or releasing it. It is commonly used in situations where individuals feel a strong urge to let something out or alleviate an inner tension. This could include venting emotions through crying, shouting, or talking, or engaging in activities to satisfy a particular curiosity or desire.

to [keep] a lid on {sth}
to keep a lid on something
Frase
uk flag
/kˈiːp ɐ lˈɪd ˌɑːn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to control a situation and stop it from getting worse

What is the origin of the idiom "keep a lid on something" and when to use it?

The idiomatic phrase "keep a lid on something" has its origins in the United States in the late 19th/early 20th century, deriving from the literal notion of securely fastening a tight-fitting lid onto a container to prevent its contents from spilling out, which then developed figuratively into referring to keeping information contained or suppressed, as evidenced by some early newspaper citations from the late 1800s discussing keeping secrets or scandals tightly guarded. It is frequently used in political, legal, and workplace settings to describe efforts to prevent damaging leaks, skeletons in the closet from being aired out, or potential scandals from emerging.

to [clean] up {one's} act
to clean up one's act
Frase
uk flag
/klˈiːn ˌʌp wˈʌnz ˈækt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to make an effort to demonstrate a better behavior and treat others better

What is the origin of the idiom "clean up one's act" and when to use it?

The idiom "clean up one's act" originated from theater in the 1800s, when messy improvised acts were common. As plays became more professional, directors demanded neat appearances, strict adherence to scripts, and tighter control over performances. They told disordered actors to clean up their acts by disciplining behavior and appearances to meet professional standards through preparation and conformity. It is generally used when an individual must overhaul existing conduct, attitudes, or lifestyle choices that are subpar or problematic through committed self-improvement and discipline.

a straight face
a straight face
Sustantivo
uk flag
/ɐ stɹˈeɪt fˈeɪs/
(rostro impasible)

(rostro impasible)

cara seria

Idiom
Informal

one's face when it is devoid of any signs of amusement, interest, or even sadness

What is the origin of the idiom "a straight face" and when to use it?

The idiom "a straight face" can be traced back to the early 19th century. It derives from the literal meaning of "straight," which refers to something that is not crooked or bent, suggesting a neutral and unexpressive appearance. The expression gained popularity in English-speaking cultures as a way to describe maintaining a neutral facial expression, especially in situations where one might normally show a smile or frown. It is used when individuals need to keep their composure or hide their true feelings, often in contexts involving humor, irony, or situations that might cause amusement.

Información Gramatical:

Sustantivo Compuesto
to [pour] oil on troubled waters
to pour oil on troubled waters
Frase
uk flag
/pˈoːɹ ˈɔɪl ˌɑːn tɹˈʌbəld wˈɔːɾɚz/
calmar los ánimos

calmar los ánimos

to say things in order to settle a dispute or disagreement

to [take] {sth} in stride
to take something in stride
Frase
uk flag
/tˈeɪk ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɪn stɹˈaɪd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to calmly cope with something that is difficult or disturbing

What is the origin of the idiom "take something in stride" and when to use it?

The idiom "take something in stride" originated from horse racing, describing a jockey's ability to maintain the horse's stride despite obstacles or variations in terrain. It is often employed to encourage a resilient and composed attitude when faced with adversity.

to [keep]  {sth} in proportion
to keep something in proportion
Frase
uk flag
/kˈiːp ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɪn pɹəpˈoːɹʃən/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to sensibly react to something and not treat it as if it is more serious, severe, or important than it actually is

What is the origin of the idiom "keeping something in proportion" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "keeping something in proportion" is rooted in the English language and its usage to convey the idea of maintaining a proper relationship or balance between different elements. It is used in various contexts and occasions to emphasize the importance of maintaining balance or appropriate relationships between different elements.

to [keep] a level head
to keep a level head
Frase
uk flag
/kˈiːp ɐ lˈɛvəl hˈɛd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to stay calm and sensible in a stressful or difficult situation

What is the origin of the idiom "keep a level head" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "keep a level head" can be traced back to nautical terminology. In sailing, a "level head" referred to the situation where a ship's compass remained level and steady despite the vessel's movement on the water. It symbolized stability, balance, and an accurate sense of direction. It is often invoked during times of stress, conflict, or uncertainty, such as in high-pressure work environments, intense negotiations, or personal crises.

to [collect] {one's} thoughts
to collect one's thoughts
Frase
uk flag
/kəlˈɛkt wˈʌnz θˈɔːts/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

to get one's thoughts or feelings under control, particularly after experiencing something shocking or disturbing

What is the origin of the idiom "collecting one's thoughts" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "collecting one's thoughts" can be traced back to the Middle English period in the 14th century. The word "collect" in this context comes from the Latin word "collegere," which means "to gather." It is used in various contexts and occasions where individuals need to regain mental focus, organize their thinking, and gather their ideas. It is commonly employed in situations that require clarity of thought and effective communication.

mind over matter
mind over matter
Frase
uk flag
/mˈaɪnd ˌoʊvɚ mˈæɾɚ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

the willpower to overcome one's problems or control one's physical condition

What is the origin of the idiom "mind over matter" and when to use it?

The idiom "mind over matter" can be attributed to the philosophy of idealism, which dates back to ancient Greece. However, the specific origin of the phrase itself is uncertain. It gained prominence in the 19th century through various philosophical and metaphysical teachings. It is often used in situations that require mental resilience, such as in sports, where athletes push themselves beyond physical exhaustion through sheer determination.

to [get] a grip on {oneself}
to get a grip on oneself
Frase
uk flag
/ɡɛt ɐ ɡɹˈɪp ˌɑːn wʌnsˈɛlf/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to stop behaving foolishly or recklessly and gain full control of one's emotions and thoughts

What is the origin of the idiom "get a grip on oneself" and when to use it?

The idiom "get a grip on oneself" comes from the literal meaning of gripping something firmly for support or stability. Its origins trace back to the need for sailors to physically "get a grip" on rails or ropes when ships rocked in rough seas so they could stand steady on deck during storms. It is typically used when someone has become overly emotional, irrational, panicked, or out of control in some way due to circumstances or events that have caused them psychological imbalance. It implies the need to regain composure and clear-headedness.

to [keep] {one's} [head]
to keep one's head
Frase
uk flag
/kˈiːp wˈʌnz hˈɛd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to stay calm and think clearly, especially in challenging or stressful situations

What is the origin of the idiom "keep one's head" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "keep one's head" can be traced back to medieval times, specifically to the sport of jousting. During jousting tournaments, knights would wear helmets with visors to protect their heads. To stay safe and maintain visibility, they had to keep their heads upright and not lower them in fear or anticipation. This practice of "keeping one's head" in jousting eventually became a metaphor for maintaining composure and courage in the face of danger or adversity. It is commonly used in high-pressure situations, such as emergencies, crises, or conflicts, where quick decision-making and level-headedness are essential.

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Aprendiste 20 palabras de Under Control. Para mejorar el aprendizaje y revisar el vocabulario, ¡comienza a practicar!

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