get a grip (on yourself)

INFORMAL
This page is about the conversational phrase get a grip (on yourself)

Meaning

This is used to firmly tell someone to control their emotions and behave sensibly or rationally.

For example

  • "You're going to marry her? Get a grip! You've only known her for a week."

  • We were lost in a cave and Tom was panicking, so I said, "Get a grip on yourself, Tom. We'll find a way out."

Quick Quiz

I had to say, "Get a grip!" to my friend. He wasn't

a. thinking clearly

b. gripping himself

c. shaking hands firmly
a) thinking clearly b) gripping himself c) shaking hands firmly

Contributor: Matt Errey