a grip on (oneself)

a grip on (oneself)

Control of one's reactions or emotions. After losing her job, Sarah needed to calm down and get a grip on herself in order to drive home safely. You're not going to be able to think clearly until you get a grip on yourself. After I learned I wasn't getting the promotion, I had to get a grip of myself before going back to my desk.

See also: grip, on

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*a grip on something

 

1. and *a hold on something Lit. a good grasp on something. (*Typically: get ~ have ~ give someone ~.) Try to get a grip on the ropes and pull yourself up. You should get a hold on the knob and turn it firmly.

2. Fig. a thorough knowledge of some topic. (*Typically: get ~ have ~ give someone ~.) I need to have a grip on the basics of accounting. Try to get a hold on all the facts first.

See also: grip, on

*a grip on oneself

Fig. control of one's emotions. (*Typically: get ~ have ~.) Calm down, man! Get a grip on yourself! I encouraged him to get a grip on himself.

See also: grip, on

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.