grip

be in the grip of something

to be experiencing something unpleasant that you have no control over. The country is currently in the grip of the worst recession for twenty years.

come/get to grips with something

to make an effort to understand and deal with a problem or situation. It's further proof of the government's failure to get to grips with two of the most important social issues of our time.

See also: come

get a grip (on yourself)

to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly. Come on, get a grip, we've got an important meeting in five minutes. I just think he ought to get a grip on himself - he's behaving like a child.

have a grip on something

to have control over something. Certainly in the first half England didn't seem to have a grip on the game.

keep a grip on yourself

get a grip (on yourself) - to make an effort to control your emotions and behave more calmly. I was so angry I could have hit him - I really had to keep a grip on myself.

See also: keep

lose your grip

to lose your ability to control or deal with a situation. He was losing his grip at work and knew it was time to retire. It suggests that the ruling party is losing its grip on the middle classes in some of the bigger cities. (often + on)

See also: lose

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come to grips with something

to make an effort to understand and deal with a problem or situation. The whole community is struggling to come to grips with these kids' deaths.

come to terms with something

See also: come

get a grip (on something)

to understand how to deal with something. The program will have helpful tips on how to get a grip on your finances. Something is obviously not right in our organization, and we must get a grip on the problem.

get a grip (on yourself)

to control your emotions. I know it's hard, but get a grip on yourself and tell me what you saw. Oh, get a grip, Tess! It's really not as bad as you think.

in the grip of something

controlled by something. The country was in the grip of a continuing and deep depression. She sways and stomps and even cries when she's in the grip of her music-making.

lose your/its grip

to be unable to control something. Changes in your body can make you feel like you're losing your grip. For many years now the old political parties have been losing their grip on the South.

See also: lose