Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

get one's act together

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.30 in modern English

Syllables: get one's ac-t -to-geth-er
IPA

25

Scrabble Score

18

Letters

5

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To become serious, organized, worthwhile, etc.

Slang

Example Sentences

"It didn't look like he'd ever get his act together, but eventually the project got going."
"Thanet got its act together after the August 3 accident, with no more major accidents over its remaining history."

Etymology

Figuratively, a comparison with the achieved result and the preparation involved in creating, producing, rehearsing, and polishing a theatrical act or similar performance.

Usage

Slang

Inflected Forms

gets one's act together (present, singular) getting one's act together (participle, present) got one's act together (past) got one's act together (UK, participle) gotten one's act together (US, participle)

Phrases

clean up one's act have one's act together turn over a new leaf keep it together get a grip

Frequently Paired Words

clean up one's act have one's act together turn over a new leaf keep it together get a grip

Synonyms

get one's priorities straight get it together get one's shit together straighten up and fly right

Questions

What does get one's act together mean?: To become serious, organized, worthwhile, etc.
Where does get one's act together come from?: Figuratively, a comparison with the achieved result and the preparation involved in creating, producing, rehearsing, and polishing a theatrical act or similar performance.

How to pronounce get one's act together

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