set (one's) (own) house in order

set (one's) (own) house in order

To put into order or resolve one's own personal problems or business affairs. The president and his administration sorely need to set their house in order, or they may not live to see a second term in office. Jim should go about setting his own house in order before he starts criticizing how I live my life!

See also: house, order, set

set one's house in order

Fig. to make certain that one's affairs are in proper legal order. Before we can ask for a bank loan, we have to set our house in order. I found an accountant who would help me set my house in order.

See also: house, order, set