put one's house in order

Definition & Meaning of "put one's house in order"

put one's house in order

PHRASE

to improve a situation or one's behavior for better results

[put|get|set] {one's} house in order definition and meaning

Formal

Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's house in order" and when to use it?

The idiom "Put one's house in order" is originated from the Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah. The phrase is used to mean the need to organize or improve one's affairs, often in a personal or private context. It can be used in various situations, such as when an individual needs to make important decisions, establish priorities, or take care of unfinished business.

Example

After years of financial mismanagement, Liz realized she needed to get her house in order by paying down debts and creating a budget if she wanted to retire comfortably one day.

After a messy divorce and struggling as a single parent for a few years, Jane knew it was time to set her house in order and establish a more stable routine for herself and her children.

The recent college graduate realized she needed to set her house in order before taking on a challenging new job - that meant creating budgets, meal plans, and schedules to get organized and prepared.