grasps the nettle
Tackles uncomfortable directly
Grasps the nettle means to tackle a difficult or unpleasant situation with determination.
The phrase comes from the literal advice that firmly gripping a stinging nettle hurts less than brushing against it timidly.
After months of delay, she finally grasped the nettle and told him the marriage was over.
British English favors this expression more than American.
- daringnessBoldness in action
- deals withManages or addresses
- valorCourage in danger
- troubleshootingSystematic fault diagnosis
- steps up to the plateAssumes responsibility when needed
resolve · adventurism · fortitude · fearlessness · nerves of steel · toughness · stiff upper lip · confronts · faces the music · grit · steadfastness · perseverance · audacity · resolution · tough call · endurance · boldness · commitment
grasps the nettleburies one's head in the sand
Willful ignorance of danger
shies away from · kicks the can down the road · sidesteps · evades · ducks
grasps the nettlehesitates
Shows momentary indecision
dithers · vacillates · procrastinates · drags one's feet · wavers
grasps the nettlechickens out
Abandons plan from fear
backs down · shrinks back · cowers · gets cold feet · wimps out
grasp, grasps, grasped, grasping, graspable, nettle, nettles, nettled, nettling