get hold of (oneself)

get hold of (oneself)

To regain control of one's emotions and/or behavior. Get hold of yourself and stop arguing over minor details! We're nearly finished negotiating this thing. I was afraid Stu wasn't going to be able to get hold of himself after that outburst.See also: get, hold, of

get hold of

Grasp, obtain; also, get in touch with. For example, If you can just get hold of one end, I'll get the other, or Jane had no luck getting hold of the book she needed, or I've phoned a dozen times but I can't seem to get hold of him. [c. 1300] Also see lay hold of. See also: get, hold, of

get hold of

1. To come into possession of; find: Where can I get hold of a copy?2. To communicate with, as by telephone: tried to get hold of you but the line was busy.3. To gain control of. Often used reflexively: You must get hold of yourself!See also: get, hold, of