What does "pick up the pieces" mean?

Rebecca

"Pick up the pieces" is a common idiom that means to restore one's life after something bad has happened. This idiom is almost as if you are starting again after a devastation of some kind. Ex: She had to pick up the pieces after her husband left her. Ex: I know this storm has destroyed your home and life, but we are here to help you pick up the pieces. Ex: I was able to pick up the pieces after he broke up with me.