have/keep your wits about you
have (one's) wits about (one)
To stay calm and rational, especially in times of stress. Luckily, the teacher had her wits about her and was able to evacuate all of her students from the burning building.
keep (one's) wits about (one)
To stay calm and rational, especially in times of stress. Luckily, the teacher kept her wits about her and was able to evacuate all of her students from the burning building.
have your wits about you
If you have your wits about you, you are alert and ready to take action in a difficult or new situation. You've got to have your wits about you when you're driving a car. Note: You can also say that you keep your wits about you with the same meaning. Obviously divers need to keep their wits about them. Note: You can also say that you need your wits about you, meaning that it is important for you to behave in this way. You need your wits about you when you're dealing with people like this.