keep one's wits about one
Remain mentally sharp
To keep one's wits about one is to stay calm and alert, especially in a dangerous or stressful situation.
The phrase implies maintaining clear thinking when panic might otherwise take over: She kept her wits about her during the fire and got everyone out safely.
Someone who fails to do so loses their head or freezes up.
- calmnessPeaceful mental state
- keep a cool headRemain rational despite stress
- level headCalm, rational disposition
- vigilanceState of keen awareness
- stay alertMaintain active awareness
on one's toes · situational awareness · focus · resourcefulness · quick-thinking · think on one's feet · mental agility · flexibility · poise · attentiveness · readiness · perception · presence of mind · observation · improvisation · discernment · sharp mind · self-control
keep one's wits about onepanic
Uncontrollable sudden fear
lose one's head · fall apart · go to pieces · freak out · lose it
keep one's wits about onezone out
Become mentally absent
space out · lose focus · let one's guard down · daydream · drift off
keeps, keeper, keepers, keeping, wittier, wittiest, outwit, outwits, outwitted