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keep it together

B2 informal intransitive
In simple words

To stay calm and in control when things are difficult.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To maintain emotional self-control in a difficult or stressful situation.

"She was devastated by the news, but somehow kept it together until after the meeting ended."

2 B2 idiomatic informal

To manage a group, team, or situation so that it continues to function effectively despite difficulties.

"With the project falling behind schedule, it was the team leader's job to keep it together and motivate everyone."

Usage notes

Used both literally (keeping a group or situation functional) and figuratively (maintaining emotional or psychological composure). Often used in encouraging contexts ('You can keep it together') or as a description of someone managing under pressure.

Commonly used with

emotionally barely managed to trying to just about

Forms

Base
keep it together
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps it together
he/she/it
Past simple
kept it together
yesterday
Past participle
kept it together
have + pp
-ing form
keeping it together
continuous

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Synonyms

hold it together stay composed maintain composure keep calm hold yourself together stay in control

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