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.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Clements	['klemənts]
ÉAbha	AY-va	Irish
Subramanian	-	Tamil
Polycarp	PAHL-ee-kahrp (English)	Ancient Greek (Anglicized)
Hanaa	-	Arabic
Raganhar	-	Ancient Germanic