have one's wits about one

English

Alternative forms

• keep one's wits about one

Pronunciation

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Verb

have one's wits about one (third-person singular simple present has one's wits about one, present participle having one's wits about one, simple past and past participle had one's wits about one)

1. (idiomatic) To remain calm, composed, focused, or aware.
   • 1869, Anthony Trollope, chapter 3, in Phineas Finn:

     He was confused, half elated, half disappointed, and had not his wits about him.

   • 1889, Horatio Alger, chapter 10, in Luke Walton:

     Luke alone seemed to have his wits about him. He saw that there was not a moment to lose, and, gathering up his strength, dashed to the old lady's assistance.

   • 1908, Upton Sinclair, chapter 10, in The Moneychangers:

     And if you think he won't have his wits about him, just you try to fool him on some deal, and see.

Synonyms

• keep one's cool

See also

• have one's mind about one