take in hand
take (someone or something) in hand
To take control of someone or something, especially with the aim of correcting or improving its or their progress or development. Once the new CEO took the company in hand, he was able to turn it around from posting annual losses to being one of the most profitable companies in the country. The tutor saw a lot of potential in the student, so he took her in hand and began helping her understand her coursework.
See also: hand, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take someone in hand
Fig. to take control of someone; to assume the responsibility of guiding someone. Someone is going to have to take Tim in hand and help him out. Alice decided that she would take the new worker in hand.
See also: hand, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
take in hand
Deal with, assume control of, as in He's going to take their debts in hand and see if they need to declare bankruptcy, or Once the new teacher takes them in hand this class will do much better. [c. 1300] Also see in hand, def. 2.
See also: hand, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
ˌtake somebody/something in ˈhand
begin to control or look after somebody/something, especially in order to make improvements in their behaviour, their performance, etc: That child is very badly behaved; someone should take her in hand. The new manager hopes to take the organization in hand, because in recent months it has been in chaos.See also: hand, somebody, something, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- catch a tiger by the tail
- pilfer
- pilfer from
- pilfer from (someone or something)
- pilfered
- blame for
- blame for (something)
- blamed
- conspire with (someone) against (something or someone)
- the blame for (something)