What Does “put your house in order” mean?
Definition:
Literally, if you put your house in order, you clean it and arrange its furnishings and other contents in an orderly manner. Figuratively, the phrase refers to the organization and arrangement of one’s affairs
Origin
The origin of the phrase is not clear, but there are many references in the bible that indicate similar meanings.
2 Kings 20:1: “And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.”
The idiom was first used as a warning before death for a man to plan for his inheritance, funeral, unresolved family feuds, or any other unfinished business so that his survivors do not have to deal with them.
Today, the phrase is used to mean changing one’s habits so that life is less chaotic.
Sometimes, the expression indicates that people have to mend their personal problems or business affairs, improving or correcting the way they do things before they start criticizing others.
– Keep your house in order.
– Set your house in order.
– Get your house in order.
Example(s)
During the recession, some banks couldn’t keep their house in order.
I think you should get your own house in order before you start criticizing how I lead my life.
