ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grab by the lapels

idiom
Meaning

To exert control over (something).


Examples
SIMPLE

You need to grab the project by the lapels and finish it.

CONTEXTUAL

The company was failing, so the new manager grabbed the situation by the lapels to restore order.

COMPLEX

Faced with the impending collapse of the department, the director grabbed the crisis by the lapels and implemented a series of rigorous, immediate reforms.

Anchors to
Related idioms5entries
  1. 01

    grab and go

    To get something quickly

  2. 02

    grab the bull by the horns

    Synonym of take the bull by the horns.

  3. 03

    grab the popcorn

    Used to express anticipated enjoyment from watching a conflict or argument developing between other people, as if one were being entertained at the movies.

  4. 04

    make a grab

    To try to take quickly.

  5. 05

    power grab

    An attempt to gain authority in an oppressive or unscrupulous way.

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