get one's act together

/ɡɛt wˈɒnz ˈakt təɡˈɛðə/

/ɡɛt wˈʌnz ˈækt təɡˈɛðɚ/

[phrase]

to get one's act together

[PHRASE]

to start to organize oneself for better results and more efficiency

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

The idiom "get one's act together" originated in the United States in the mid-20th century. The exact origin of the expression is unclear, as it evolved through informal and colloquial usage. It is often used when someone is perceived as being disorganized, lacking focus, or under performing and needs to make positive changes.

Examples

1. She's so disorganized - I wish she'd get her act together.

2. Get your act together.

3. But we better get our act together now.

4. And even today, when I hear people chanting that we ought to go on to Mars, I’m thinking, well, why don’t we get our act together here on Earth first, and go to Mars as human beings, not as jingoistic Americans or Chinese or Russians or Indians.