pick up one's crumbs

pick up one's crumbs

1. (slang, archaic) To recuperate or recover, such as after an illness or injury; to recover in appetite after an illness.
   • 1834, Richard Henry Dana, (Please provide the book title or journal name)‎:

     The latter, however, had "picked up his crumbs," was learning his duty, and getting strength and confidence daily; and began to assert his rights against his oppressor.