take action

take action

1. To act; to do something. We can't just sit here and do nothing. We have to take action! We're not going to take action just yet. We need to determine the best way to deal with this.
2. To initiate a legal proceeding, typically a lawsuit. Let it be known that my client will take action against any publication that prints these lies.
See also: action, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • when in doubt, do nothing
  • while you are at it
  • (something) is not going to (do something) itself
  • damned if I do, damned if I don't
  • damned if you do, damned if you don't
  • I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't
  • an act of war
  • action stations
  • chill (one's) action
  • chill someone’s action
References in periodicals archive
Remember, achieving your goals is easy if you take action now!
Live the dream
Mr Keith-Smith obtained court orders enabling him to identify the individual who posted the defamatory remarks, and then take action against the individual for defamation - he was awarded pounds 10,000 in damages.
It only takes a click to damage your company's reputation
The citizens of our early colonies rose up to physically take action against taxes they thought were unjust.
Vouchers: time for a `Tea Party'? (Letters)
The idea that I was supposed to take action without knowing what to do and with no organized plan to determine the right action irritated me.
Don't Just Stand There. Do Something!
"This is the first time an IPCC report has concluded there is good reason to take action on a precautionary basis, beyond those measures that cost nothing," says Florentin Krause, a member of Working Group III and an energy modeler with the International Project for Sustainable Energy Paths in El Cerrito, Calif.
World climate panel charts path for action
Persons who had not visited a physician within the preceding 2 years were 60% less likely to take action than persons who had visited a physician within the preceding year.
Adults taking action to control their blood pressure - United States, 1990
They further urged the Punjab government to take action against the injustice being done in the name of entry test.
5 fired for allowing unfair means in MDCAT
Inspector General Punjab Police Dr Syed Kaleem Imam directed the regional and district police officers to ensure transparency in their respective areas and take action against violators without any discrimination.
Police take action against 17,606 political workers/supporters
No, it shows that where offences are alleged to have been committed it is right that the police take action - against licensees that serve a mainly gay community or those that represent multi-national companies.
Letter: Your Say - No discrimination; In association with POST OFFICE
He said that strict action would be taken against traffic officials who would not take action against violations of traffic rules.
Traffic officials suspended for not enforcing traffic rules