assume control
Take the reins
To assume control is to take charge of something, typically a situation, organization, or operation.
The phrase implies stepping into authority, often during a transition or crisis: The vice president assumed control after the assassination.
It can suggest either legitimate succession or forcible takeover: Rebels assumed control of the capital.
- seizeTake suddenly, forcibly
- seize powerTake control by force
- takeoverAssuming command of something
- hostile takeoverUnwanted corporate buyout attempt
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
take command · take charge · dominance · grip · power grab · coup · override · reins · take the reins · helm · in the driver's seat · power · authority · call the shots · overthrow · usurp · commandeer · hijack
- leadership verbslead, command, direct, manage, supervise
- takeovertakeover, take over, seize power, seizure, coup d'etat
- take your turnplay, participate, go, try, step up
assume controlabdicate
Formally renounce authority
step down · resign · let go · lose control · delegate
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