take matters into one's own hands
Meaning: To act oneself because others have failed to.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Tired of waiting for the plumber, she took matters into her own hands.”
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The hands stand for control. The phrase is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- Dutch: het heft in eigen handen nemen — literally: to take the handle in own hands
More idioms — Body & Senses
- all in one's head — Imagined rather than real, or a matter of attitude.
- stink to high heaven — To smell terrible; also, to seem very dishonest.
- dig one's heels in — To refuse stubbornly to change one's mind.
- the scales fall from one's eyes — To suddenly see the truth after being deceived.
- feet of clay — A hidden weakness in someone or something admired.
- get to grips with something — To start dealing seriously with a problem.
More English idioms
- fight fire with fire — To respond to an attack with the same methods.
- under lock and key — Securely locked away.
- the truth will out — The truth cannot stay hidden forever.
- on a silver platter — Given to someone without any effort on their part.
- above board — Honest and open, with nothing hidden.
- stake a claim — To declare that something is yours, or that you have a right to it.
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