pull up (one's) socks

pull up (one's) socks

To make a redoubled effort; to make a sincere attempt to improve. After that abysmal grade on my midterm exam, I'm going to have to really pull up my socks if I want to pass math this year. John, if you don't start pulling up your socks, we're going to have to give your job to someone else.
See also: pull, sock, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • nice going
  • Nice going!
  • good going
  • keep a cool head
  • keep a level head
  • knock (one's) socks off
  • knock socks off
  • knock someone's socks off
  • blow (one's) socks off
  • blow/knock somebody's socks off