clean up one's act

/klˈiːn ˌʌp wˈɒnz ˈakt/

/klˈiːn ˌʌp wˈʌnz ˈækt/

[phrase]

to clean up one's act

[PHRASE]

to make an effort to demonstrate a better behavior and treat others better

What is the origin of the idiom "clean up one's act" and when to use it?

The idiom "clean up one's act" originated from theater in the 1800s, when messy improvised acts were common. As plays became more professional, directors demanded neat appearances, strict adherence to scripts, and tighter control over performances. They told disordered actors to clean up their acts by disciplining behavior and appearances to meet professional standards through preparation and conformity. It is generally used when an individual must overhaul existing conduct, attitudes, or lifestyle choices that are subpar or problematic through committed self-improvement and discipline.

Examples

1. I'm cleaning up my act.

2. No, I cleaned up my act.

3. It wasn’t until the late 80s, when Tabitha threatened to leave him and the family staged a dramatic intervention that King cleaned up his act.

4. Usually, the Olympics aren’t very often held in dictatorships, and dictatorships usually clean up their act a year or two before the Olympics, and then do things like arrest all the political dissidents and reinstate the death penalty like China did the day after the Olympics ends.