English Idiom – Pull your socks up or Pull up your socks.
To do better. To make a real effort to improve. If you pull your socks up you try even harder to do something or achieve something. This expression is usually used when somebody is not trying hard enough because they have been lazy or careless.
If you tell someone to put a sock in it your are telling them (quite forcibly) to be quiet.
Usage:
When could you use this idiom?
- You are telling a student or child to try harder, because they are in danger of failing their exams.
- A person at work has become lazy and needs to improve their performance.
- A player in your football team is not making sufficient effort to support their teammates.
Example:
- “You are going to have to pull your socks up and study more because your final exam is next week and you are in real danger of failing!”
Learn More
Look it upPull one’s socks upWiktionaryWhat is an idiom?
An idiom is a word or phrase that is not taken literally. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its individual words, but has a separate meaning of its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make more effort and improve, especially after being lazy or careless.
Be quiet! It’s a rude, informal way to tell someone to stop talking.
Test Yourself
What is FunkyEnglish?
FunkyEnglish is a website that helps you improve your English. We offer quick lessons that teach idioms, slang, phrasal verbs and more. Visit our homepage to see our latest articles, or use the menu to find specific content!
