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3. have wits about

have wits about

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have your wits about you

also keep your wits about you

to be able to think clearly The engines failed, but the pilot had his wits about him and managed to get them started again. She managed to keep her wits about her and was able to escape unharmed.

See also: have, wit

have/keep your wits about you

to be ready to think quickly in a situation and react to things that you are not expecting Cycling is potentially very dangerous in London - you really need to keep your wits about you.

See gather wits, live by wits, pit wits against

See also: have, wit