have one's wits about one
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[edit]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)
- (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.