- 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. 2014.
grasp the nettle
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 — phrasal : to take positive and decisive steps to deal with a problem : take the bull by the horns * * * grasp the nettle see under ↑nettle1 • • • Main Entry: ↑grasp grasp the nettle To set about an unpleasant task, duty, etc with firmness and… … Useful english 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 — (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
