Meaning & Origin
“Take the bull by the horns” means to face a tough challenge head‑on — choosing decisive action over delay or avoidance. The image is from bull handling, where grabbing the horns gives control; figuratively, it signals courage and leadership.
Pronunciation Guide
- take the BULL by the HORNS — clear stress on “bull” and “horns.”
Usage & Sentence Examples
Use it when someone chooses direct action to solve a hard problem.
- We took the bull by the horns and rewrote the flaky service.
- It’s time to take the bull by the horns on churn and call 20 customers.
- Legal took the bull by the horns and proposed a clean amendment.
- Instead of postponing again, let’s take the bull by the horns and decide.
- She took the bull by the horns and resolved the partner dispute.
- Take the bull by the horns — publish the post‑mortem today.
Synonyms
tackle head‑on · confront directly · face up to it · bite the bullet · grab the nettle (UK) · take decisive action
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