To take things into one's own hands

Question

Hi,What does 'to take things into one's own hands' mean? Thank you very much.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

It means to do things yourself in your own way, heedless of the correct, official, approved, or bureaucratic way that is recommended. It's often associated with impatience at having to do things in the correct (but more difficult) way. Also, "to take matters into one's own hands".

For example, if you confront a thief directly instead of calling the police, you're taking matters into your own hands. Most of the time it's not a good idea to take matters into your own hands.

But another related meaning is to do things that should already have been done by others. For example, suppose that the city authorities are supposed to replace burnt-out street lights on a regular basis. Citizens see that the city has not replaced a burnt-out light in six months. They may take matters into their own hands and replace the light themselves because they are impatient to have the light replaced.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Hi CJ,

Thanks very much for the clear explanation. Do you mean 'take matters into one's own hands' and 'take things into one's own hands' are the same thing?

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousDo you mean 'take matters into one's own hands' and 'take things into one's own hands' are the same thing?

Yes. The meaning is the same.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks!

To take things into one's own hands

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