takes the bull by the horns
Faces challenges head-on
To take the bull by the horns is to confront a difficult situation directly and decisively rather than avoiding it.
The image is of grabbing a dangerous animal by its most threatening feature—seizing control instead of fleeing.
After months of delays, she finally took the bull by the horns and called the contractor herself.
- deals withManages or addresses
- boldnessFearless readiness to act
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- fearlessnessComplete lack of dread
- seize the dayEmbrace the present moment
initiative · take charge · step up to the plate · strategy · face the music · control · daring · nerve · grit · audacity · no holds barred · full steam ahead · execution · take the plunge · fortitude · proactivity · decisiveness · get down to business
takes the bull by the hornsburies one's head in the sand
Willful ignorance of danger
sidesteps · shies away from · evades · turns a blind eye · beats around the bush
takes the bull by the hornsdithers
Hesitates with agitation
hesitates · sits on one's hands · vacillates · waffles · drags one's feet
takes the bull by the hornschickens out
Abandons plan from fear
gets cold feet · cowers · shrinks back · turns tail · runs scared