put own house in order

put (one's) (own) house in order

To resolve one's own personal problems or business affairs (especially before criticizing those of others). The president and his administration sorely need to put their house in order or they may not live to see a second term in office. Jim should go about putting his own house in order before he starts criticizing how I live my life!See also: house, order, put

put one's own house in order

to make one's own affairs right, before or instead of criticizing someone else. (See also put one's house in order.) You should put your own house in order before criticizing someone else. I have to put my own house in order before I criticize others.See also: house, order, own, put