take matters into one’s own hands: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘take matters into one's own hands’ mean?
The idiom "take matters into one's own hands" means to personally handle or assume responsibility for a situation instead of relying on others to do so.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "under one's own steam" means to do something without any assistance or support from others.
Under one's own steam is an idiom that means to do something by one's own effort or without assistance.
The phrase originated in the early 19th century and is commonly used in both British and American English.
The idiom "the buck stops here" means taking responsibility for a situation and not passing it on to others.
The idiom "take on faith" means to believe or accept something without evidence or proof.
It implies trusting someone or something blindly, without questioning or doubting.
It often applies to beliefs, ideas, or statements that are not easily verifiable.
The idiom "take one's pick" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It means to choose freely from a selection of options or opportunities.
This idiom comes from the verb "pick," which means to select or choose. When someone is told to "take their pick," it means they can choose whichever option they prefer.
The idiom "take one's hook" means to leave or depart, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. It conveys the idea of someone quietly removing themselves from a situation or place.
The idiom "take one's courage in both hands" means to summon up one's bravery and face a challenging or intimidating situation directly and confidently.
The idiom "take one's courage in both hands" is a metaphorical expression used to convey the idea of facing fear and overcoming hesitation. It encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and confront their fears head-on.
The idiom "take one's chance" means to seize or accept an opportunity or risk without knowing the outcome. It implies a willingness to try despite the uncertainty or potential for failure.
The idiom "take on" means to assume responsibility or an undertaking. It can also mean to confront or challenge someone or something.
The idiom "take it upon oneself" means to assume responsibility or take on a task without being asked or obligated to do so.
The idiom "take it outside" means resolving a conflict or argument by moving it outside, usually from a public space to a more private one. This phrase is often used to suggest dealing with an issue physically or away from others.
Seizing Control
The idiom "take it upon oneself" is closely related to the expression "take matters into one's own hands." Both idioms convey the idea of assuming responsibility for a situation or problem and taking action without relying on others. However, "take it upon oneself" suggests a sense of duty or obligation, whereas "take matters into one's own hands" emphasizes a proactive and self-reliant approach.
The idiom "take on" is another phrase that is related to "take matters into one's own hands." It also conveys the idea of assuming responsibility or accepting a challenge. However, "take on" can also imply a willingness to confront difficulties or engage in a task that may be challenging or overwhelming.
The expression "sort oneself out" is another idiom that relates to the idea of taking matters into one's own hands. It suggests the idea of resolving one's own issues or problems without external assistance. This phrase emphasizes personal autonomy and self-sufficiency.
Similarly, the idiom "under one's own steam" is another phrase that aligns with the concept of taking matters into one's own hands. It conveys the idea of accomplishing something without assistance or relying solely on one's own efforts and resources. This expression emphasizes self-reliance and the ability to achieve results independently.
The idiom "take care of business" is yet another phrase that can be related to the concept of taking matters into one's own hands. It suggests the idea of handling one's responsibilities or tasks efficiently and effectively. This expression emphasizes the importance of being proactive and taking action to fulfill obligations.
The idiom "take matters into one's own hands" is a common expression in American English that reflects a proactive and self-reliant approach to solving problems. This idiom is related to other idioms such as "take it upon oneself," "take on," "sort oneself out," "under one's own steam," and "take care of business," which all emphasize personal responsibility and the ability to address and resolve issues independently. These idioms contribute to the richness and versatility of the English language, allowing speakers to express a range of attitudes and behaviors related to personal initiative and self-reliance.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "take matters into one's own hands" can be used in a sentence include:
- When his boss refused to address the ongoing issues at work, John decided to take matters into his own hands and organize a meeting with his colleagues to discuss possible solutions.
- Feeling frustrated with the slow progress of the project, Sarah decided to take matters into her own hands and approach the client directly to ensure things moved forward.
- After waiting for hours for a response from customer service, Mark decided to take matters into his own hands and write a complaint letter to the company's CEO.
The idiom "take matters into one's own hands" is used when an individual decides to personally take control or responsibility for a situation instead of waiting for someone else to address it.
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