a grip on

a grip on (oneself)

Control of one's reactions or emotions. After losing her job, Sarah needed to calm down and get a grip on herself in order to drive home safely. You're not going to be able to think clearly until you get a grip on yourself.
See also: grip, on

a grip on (something)

1. A good physical hold on something. In order to remove the bolt, I needed to get a grip on the wrench.
See also: grip, on

grip on (something)

2. A newfound understanding of a topic or concept. The teacher spent extra time going over the material in class because she wanted her students to have a good grip on the subject matter before they took the exam.
See also: grip, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*a grip on something

 
1. and *a hold on something Lit. a good grasp on something. (*Typically: get ~ have ~ give someone ~.) Try to get a grip on the ropes and pull yourself up. You should get a hold on the knob and turn it firmly.
2. Fig. a thorough knowledge of some topic. (*Typically: get ~ have ~ give someone ~.) I need to have a grip on the basics of accounting. Try to get a hold on all the facts first.
See also: grip, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a grip on (oneself)
  • a grip on oneself
  • break down and cry
  • shut down emotionally
  • collect (oneself)
  • collect yourself/your thoughts
  • composure
  • boiling point
  • be written all over somebody's face
  • be written all over your face