pick up the pieces

Idioms  

1. Redeem a bad situation, restore matters to normal, as in Once fighting ended, the task force picked up the pieces and restored democracy. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pick up the pieces

Mozeliak probably won’t be around to see the folly of this trade as he will leave this winter and his successor will have to pick up the pieces.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026

It’s not ideal, but neither is racking up this debt and expecting other people to pick up the pieces.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 27, 2026

When he abruptly announces his desire to divorce, she is forced to pick up the pieces of her personal and financial life.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 17, 2026

India's ultra-aggressive left-handed opening pair have failed to fire, leaving a shaky middle order to pick up the pieces.

From Barron's ● Feb. 23, 2026

Ma simply got up to pick up the pieces of the clock she’d been fixing for Earl Baker.

From "Worth" by A. LaFaye