Often used by managers to encourage better performance in a professional setting. The manager said I need to pull my socks up to meet my sales targets.
Pro Tip 2/3
After Failure
Commonly expressed after an individual has not met expectations or experienced failure. After failing the first test, I really have to pull my socks up.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Literal
This idiom does not involve physically adjusting socks; it's about personal improvement. He's literally pulling up his socks but we meant he should study more.