To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly or efficiently; to improve your performance or behavior.
This phrase emerged from show business in the mid-20th century, referring to theatrical or musical performers who needed to organize and rehearse their 'act' properly. It expanded into general usage to mean organizing any aspect of one's life or work.
The theatrical origin gives this phrase a performative quality that's perfect for modern life, where we often feel like we're 'performing' our roles as employees, parents, or students. It suggests that life itself is a kind of show that requires preparation and organization to succeed.
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