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- pull up (one's) socks
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.