Get your act
together:to
organize in ways necessary to achieve a goal, necessity, or responsibility.



 Context #1 – Friends talking about
relationships

Don: Are you seriously considering marrying
your girlfriend.  I thought you said you
had no job or plans for the future.
Jerrad: Well, she’s pretty great and she makes
me want to be a better person.
Don: Well then, you better get your act together before her
parents or friends disapprove of you.
Jerrad: I’m really trying to get my act together.  I don’t want to lose her.
Don: I hope so.  Otherwise, some other guy is going to take
her from you.


 
Context #2 – Brother
and sister talking about responsibilities in college

Kelly: I’m glad you’re home for spring break. How’s college?
Devin: I’m not doing so well.  All the partying is keeping me from being
focused.
Kelly: Hey, mom and dad are paying a lot of
money for you to go to school.  You
better get your act together.
Devin: I know. 
I don’t want to disappoint them and I want to make sure I get a good
education.

Explanation: “Get your act together” means to become
responsible by taking steps in a positive/productive direction.  It means that your ideas are in many separate
direction and you have to sit down, focus and complete the tasks necessary to
succeed.



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