Select the correct idiom from the options given to complete the sentence:-

After his wife's death, he found it hard to _____ and carry on with his life.

pick up the pieces

The correct answer is Option (1) → pick up the pieces

To pick up the pieces means to return to a normal or stable state after a difficult, traumatic, or catastrophic event. It specifically refers to the process of recovering and rebuilding one's life following a major loss or disaster.