get religion—
1. acquire deep religious beliefs:
- She left him when she got religion and quit the porn business.
2. resolve to mend one’s ways (usually after a powerful experience):
- When I had an automobile accident, I really got religion.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase enter into religion—(dated) adopt a monastic life:
- We must enter into religion and be made nuns by will or by force.
lose one’s religion—
1. give up one’s religious beliefs and practices:
- It can be an overwhelmingly lonely experience to lose one’s religion.
2. (U.S. coll.) lose one’s temper or one’s better judgment:
- I purchased a shelf and I almost lost my religion last night trying to put it together.