After the fire, they had to pick up the pieces.
pick up the pieces
idiomTo restore one's life (or a given situation etc.) to a normal state, after a calamity, shock etc.
The company went bankrupt last year, and now the employees are trying to pick up the pieces and find new jobs.
Following the sudden collapse of their long-term partnership, she spent months trying to pick up the pieces of her professional life while managing the emotional fallout.
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captain's pick
A decision made by a leader without consulting others.
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chess piece
A person being manipulated by another, being used to some end.
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cut to pieces
To utterly defeat or overwhelm.
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give someone a piece of one's mind
To express one's opinion strongly; to voice one's disagreement or dissatisfaction, especially with another person; to scold or rebuke someone.
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have a bone to pick
To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.
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pick apart
To review or analyse in great detail
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pick at
To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers.
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pick corners
To choose a preference (as in predicting which boxer will win a match).
Last updated April 17, 2026