IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishtake matters into one's own hands
Meaning: To act oneself because others have failed to.
Example: “Tired of waiting for the plumber, she took matters into her own hands.”
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 English idioms
- fight fire with fire To respond to an attack with the same methods.
- under lock and key Securely locked away.
- 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.
- raze to the ground To destroy a building or town completely.
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