have one's wits about one
Mentally present, aware
To have one's wits about one is to remain alert, clearheaded, and ready to respond to circumstances.
The phrase implies mental sharpness under pressure—the ability to think quickly and act sensibly: You need to have your wits about you when negotiating a contract.
Often appears in warnings or advice about situations requiring vigilance.
- composureEmotional self-control
- keep one's coolMaintain emotional control
- sharpnessKeenness of edge, mind, or image
- stay sharpMaintain mental acuity
- presence of mindMental readiness in crisis
mental acuity · alertness · stay alert · critical thinking · think on one's feet · vigilance · heads up · intelligence · calmness · quick reflexes · readiness · resourcefulness · level-headed · on the ball · discernment · collected · clarity · responsiveness
emotional composure under pressure
have one's wits about onepanic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
lose one's head · go to pieces · fall apart · freak out · lose one's cool