lose (one's) grip on (someone or something)

1. To no longer have a firm or secure grip on someone or something with one's hand or hands. He lost his grip on the railing and went tumbling down the stairs. The rescue team is almost here—don't lose your grip on him!

2. To no longer have a firm or clear understanding of something. The poor guy sort of lost his grip on reality after the death of his children. I feel like I'm losing my grip on my sanity.

3. To no longer dominate or have control over someone or something. The company has lost its grip on the smartphone market in recent years. After nearly three decades, the dictator seems to be losing his grip on the small country.

lose (someone's or something's) grip

1. To no longer have the ability to control someone or something. He must be losing his grip on his followers if they're beginning to rebel against him. I think this cold is finally losing its grip on me, thank goodness. The funeral service was so sad that I just lost my grip and bawled.

2. To lose certain skills or abilities. I must be losing my grip—can you remind me how to use this computer program again?

lose one's grip

Also lose it.

1. Fail to maintain control or one's ability to function, as in Ted wasn't running things the way he used to, and his boss thought he might be losing his grip , or I thought I was losing it when I couldn't remember the words to that old song. The first term dates from the mid-1800s, the slangy variant from the mid-1900s.

2. Fail to keep one's composure, as in When Billy broke the window, Dad just lost his grip and let him have it, or I just can't deal with this many visitors-I must be losing it. [Slang; first half of 1900s] Also see lose one's temper.

lose one’s grip

and lose one’s hold

tv. to lose one’s control over something. When I begin to lose my grip, I will just quit. The old man is clearly losing his hold.