take the law into own 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 own hands
Fig. to attempt to administer the law; to pass judgment on someone who has done something wrong. Citizens don't have the right to take the law into their own hands. The shopkeeper took the law into his own hands when he tried to arrest the thief.
See also: hand, law, own, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
take the law into (one's) own hands
To mete out justice as one sees fit without due recourse to law enforcement agencies or the courts.
See also: hand, law, own, take
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- take the law into (one's) own hands
- take the law into one's 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