take control of

take control (of someone or something)

To gain, assume, or exercise the ability or authority to manage, direct, or influence something. Things have been running a lot smoother ever since Sarah took control of the project. You really need to take control of your staff, John. Their mistakes are costing this company a lot of money! I know I need to take control, but my kids are really difficult to manage.
See also: control, someone, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take control of someone or something

to get the power and right to direct someone or something. I will take control of him and see that he does what I want. Will you take control of the Wilson project?
See also: control, of, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • take control (of someone or something)
  • be no love lost between (two people)
  • talk to the hand
  • talk to/tell it to the hand
  • (Are) things getting you down?
  • be little love lost between (two people)
  • correspond
  • correspond about (someone or something)
  • in the loop
  • be glued to (one)
References in periodicals archive
The Libyan military police indeed managed to take control of the border post from the rebels of Zouara who had been taking control of it since the end of fights in the country.
Clashes on Libyan side: traffic at crossing point of Ras Jedir held up
The viruses come with programs called "bots," which act like robots and allow the extortionists to take control of the infected systems and use them to attack their victims.
Insurers see cyber extortion on the rise
In elections held on March 14, the opposition Socialist Party scored an upset victory and will take control of Spain's Parliament.
Terror attacks rock Spain
With inner motivation it is possible to take control of how one uses one's body, eats, uses substances such as nicotine and alchohol, manages stress, and so on and so forth, and make health promoting/disease preventing changes in the way one lives.
Getting motivated. (Talking About Training)
He and his brother tried to take control of the company, but failed.
Seymour Millstein, industry leader, dead at 81