pick up the pieces

pick up the pieces

to try to get back to an ordinary way of life after a difficult experience. After Ruth's death, Joe found it hard to pick up the pieces and carry on with his life.

See also: pick, piece

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pick up the pieces

to try to get back to an ordinary way of life after a very bad experience. Survivors of the mudslides are hoping to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. When their parents died, the grandparents had to pick up the pieces and care for the children.

See also: pick, piece