grasp the nettle

grasp the nettle
phrasal
: to take positive and decisive steps to deal with a problem : take the bull by the horns

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grasp the nettle see under ↑nettle1
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Main Entry: ↑grasp
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grasp the nettle
To set about an unpleasant task, duty, etc with firmness and resolution
• • •
Main Entry: ↑nettle

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grasp the nettle british phrase
to deal with a complicated problem that will probably be very difficult, and may cause political or other problems

We’ve got to grasp the nettle of prison reform.

Thesaurus: to try to deal with a problem or difficultysynonym
Main entry: nettle

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Brit. tackle a difficulty boldly
Origin:
because a nettle stings when touched lightly, but not when grasped firmly

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grasp the nettle — see ↑nettle, 2
• • •
Main Entry: ↑grasp
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grasp the nettle
Brit : to deal with an unpleasant situation without delay

He decided to grasp the nettle and try to solve the problem himself.

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Main Entry: ↑nettle

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grasp the ˈnettle idiom
(BrE) to deal with a difficult situation firmly and without hesitating

•

The government now has the opportunity to grasp the nettle of prison reform.

Main entry: ↑graspidiom

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • grasp the nettle — (UK) If you grasp the nettle, you deal bravely with a problem …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • grasp the nettle — ► grasp the nettle Brit. tackle a difficulty boldly. Main Entry: ↑nettle …   English terms dictionary

  • grasp the nettle — British & Australian to take action immediately in order to deal with an unpleasant situation. I ve been putting off tackling the problem for too long and I think it s time to grasp the nettle …   New idioms dictionary

  • grasp the nettle — (UK)    If you grasp the nettle, you deal bravely with a problem.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • grasp the nettle — British to deal with a complicated problem that will probably be very difficult, and may cause political or other problems We ve got to grasp the nettle of prison reform …   English dictionary

  • Grasp the nettle —   (UK)   If you grasp the nettle, you deal bravely with a problem …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • grasp the nettle — verb To act boldly, especially when there are short term adverse consequences. Hence it was that a few dozen policemen, resolutely grasping the nettle, had no difficulty in handling it. See Also: nettlesome …   Wiktionary

  • grasp the nettle — Brit. tackle a difficulty boldly. → nettle …   English new terms dictionary

  • grasp the nettle — phrasal to act boldly …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • grasp the nettle — confront problems, deal with difficult situations …   English contemporary dictionary

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