have one's act together

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

Audio (AU) (file)

Verb

have one's act together (third-person singular simple present has one's act together, present participle having one's act together, simple past and past participle had one's act together)

(idiomatic) To be serious, organized, worthwhile, etc.
- 2014, Susan R. Pitchford, The Sacred Gaze: Contemplation and the Healing of the Self, →ISBN, page 67:
  Teresa also shows us that to have one's act together and stay within the boundaries of conventional piety is not the goal of the spiritual life.
- 2014, Billups Allen, The League, →ISBN:
  He was determined to wear his best shirt in the hopes of seeming like he had his act together.
- 2017, Elan Mastai, All Our Wrong Todays, →ISBN:
  It's wonderful that my mom is alive and my dad isn't a distracted asshole and Greta is, I mean, she's awesome. Scabrous, incautious, and sharp. She deserves to live, much more than I do. Clearly John has his act together in a way I never did.

Related terms

get one's act together