# pull one's socks up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pull-ones-socks-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To start making an effort; to renew or redouble one's efforts.

## Examples

- You need to pull your socks up if you want to pass.
- The manager told the team they must pull their socks up to meet the new deadline.
- Realizing his grades were slipping, he decided to pull his socks up and dedicate his evenings to serious study.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.