Pick up the pieces
verb
Try to return to a normal life after a difficult situation or event.
After the earthquake, the whole community had to pick up the pieces and rebuild their homes.
Often appears as...
- pick up the pieces after
- trying to pick up the pieces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To repair or rectify a mistake, problem, or failure.
When the boss messed up the presentation, it was up to me to pick up the pieces.
Often appears as...
- pick up the pieces of the project
- left to pick up the pieces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Try to return to a normal life after a difficult situation or event.
After the earthquake, the whole community had to pick up the pieces and rebuild their homes.
Often appears as...
- pick up the pieces after
- trying to pick up the pieces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To repair or rectify a mistake, problem, or failure.
When the boss messed up the presentation, it was up to me to pick up the pieces.
Often appears as...
- pick up the pieces of the project
- left to pick up the pieces
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Recovery
Used when discussing overcoming emotional distress or hardship.
She's been trying to pick up the pieces after the divorce.
Pro Tip 2/3Post-Trauma Rebuild
Refers to the phase of rebuilding life after a traumatic event like a disaster.
The community is picking up the pieces following the flood.
Pro Tip 3/3Continuation Notion
Implies that despite disruptions, life or a process will continue.
Despite the market crash, investors are picking up the pieces and moving forward.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Recovery
Used when discussing overcoming emotional distress or hardship.
She's been trying to pick up the pieces after the divorce.
Pro Tip 2/3Post-Trauma Rebuild
Refers to the phase of rebuilding life after a traumatic event like a disaster.
The community is picking up the pieces following the flood.
Pro Tip 3/3Continuation Notion
Implies that despite disruptions, life or a process will continue.
Despite the market crash, investors are picking up the pieces and moving forward.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Recovery
Used when discussing overcoming emotional distress or hardship.
She's been trying to pick up the pieces after the divorce.
Pro Tip 2/3Post-Trauma Rebuild
Refers to the phase of rebuilding life after a traumatic event like a disaster.
The community is picking up the pieces following the flood.
Pro Tip 3/3Continuation Notion
Implies that despite disruptions, life or a process will continue.
Despite the market crash, investors are picking up the pieces and moving forward.
Never forget "Pick up the pieces"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension