take the law into one's hands
take the law into (one's) own hands
To act outside the scope of the law to achieve one's own sense of justice, typically by killing, punishing, or passing judgment on wrongdoers. Shopkeepers in the area have begun taking the law into their own hands, catching would-be thieves and tying them up until police arrive. I know you're frustrated by how long it's taken the police to respond, but you can't just take the law into your own hands.
See also: hand, law, own, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take the law into one's hands
Also, take the law into one's own hands. Replace the established authority with one's own, as in While the captain was on shore the sailors took the law into their own hands and sneaked the prisoner off the ship . Generally indicating disapproval of doing something forbidden, this idiom was first recorded in 1606.
See also: hand, law, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- take the law into (one's) own hands
- take the law into own hands
- take the law into your own hands
- at will
- at (one's) doorstep
- at doorstep
- (from) top to toe
- be hoist by (one's) own petard
- be hoist with (one's) own petard
- be hoist/hoisted by/with your own petard