Pull oneself together

Posted by Smokey Stover May 05, 2005In reply to Pull oneself together posted by ESC on May 04, 2005

Please, what is the origin of the expression "pull oneself together" under the meaning of gaining recomposure?

This is a total guess. People used to believe that in times of emotional upheaval, stress, etc., a person's soul could separate from his body. You could be "beside yourself." That would result in the need to "pull yourself together."

I've been falling apart ever since I learned I would not be on "American Idol." I'll have to pull myself back together. SS