Grasp the nettle
verb
To deal with a problem or difficulty firmly and immediately, even if this will be unpleasant or dangerous.
You must grasp the nettle, have the courage to take the difficult decision and make the necessary cuts.
Often appears as...
- grasp the nettle and
- must grasp the nettle
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To deal with a problem or difficulty firmly and immediately, even if this will be unpleasant or dangerous.
You must grasp the nettle, have the courage to take the difficult decision and make the necessary cuts.
Often appears as...
- grasp the nettle and
- must grasp the nettle
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Action Needed
The phrase suggests urgent action is necessary to solve a difficult issue.
With the deadline tomorrow, we need to grasp the nettle and finish the project.
Pro Tip 2/3Unpleasant Choices
Using this expression implies that the speaker is ready to handle an unpleasant situation.
Even though firing an employee is hard, sometimes you have to grasp the nettle.
Pro Tip 3/3Bravery Connotation
It often infers that the speaker is acting brave by confronting a problem.
She grasped the nettle by speaking up against the unfair rules.
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