take someone 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
COMMON If you take someone or something in hand, you take control of them, in order to improve them. I took myself in hand about a year ago and lost weight. The present government only reacts to events rather than taking the situation in hand.
See also: hand, someone, take
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- 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)