put one's house in order
To organize one's financial and other affairs, especially in preparation for a life-changing event.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You should put your house in order before you move abroad.”
“The company faced a major audit, so the manager spent the weekend trying to put his house in order.”
“Before embarking on his final journey, the aging merchant sought to put his house in order, ensuring his debts were settled and his heirs were provided for.”
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026