get a grip

Meaning

This phrase means to control your emotions, calm down, and behave in a sensible way after being very upset, angry, or panicked. It can sound direct or slightly harsh, so it is best used with close friends or when talking to oneself.

Examples

• You need to get a grip and stop crying over such a small issue.

  You need to get a grip and stop crying over such a small issue.

• I had to take a deep breath and tell myself to get a grip.

  I had to take a deep breath and tell myself to get a grip.

• Get a grip on yourself! We have a crisis to solve.

  Get a grip on yourself! We have a crisis to solve.

• He was panicking before the presentation, but he managed to get a grip.

  He was panicking before the presentation, but he managed to get a grip.

• Instead of losing your temper, just get a grip and think logically.

  Instead of losing your temper, just get a grip and think logically.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ You need to make a grip on your emotions.

  ✓ You need to get a grip on your emotions.

  The correct verb is 'get', not 'make'.

• ✗ He got a grip of the situation.

  ✓ He got a grip on the situation.

  When referring to controlling a situation or emotions, use the preposition 'on', not 'of'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Stop panicking and ___! We can fix this.

  💡 Control your emotions

  Show answer

  get a grip

• I was so nervous during the interview, but I managed to ___.

  💡 Calm down and stay sensible

  Show answer

  get a grip