grab the bull by the horns
Synonym of take the bull by the horns.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is time to grab the bull by the horns.”
“Instead of waiting for the problem to get worse, you should grab the bull by the horns and talk to your boss.”
“Facing mounting pressure from the board, the director decided to grab the bull by the horns and initiate the difficult restructuring process immediately.”
- 01
Banbury story of a cock and a bull
A roundabout, nonsensical story.
- 02
bull in a china shop
A person who is clumsy, aggressive, without care, concern or self-control.
- 03
bull session
An informal discursive group discussion, often one where politics, economics or current events are discussed.
- 04
chrome horn
The front bumper of a car when used to bump another vehicle, usually to inform the driver of the other vehicle that the first car would like to pass.
- 05
grab and go
To get something quickly
- 06
grab by the lapels
To exert control over (something).
- 07
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.
- 08
lock horns
To come into conflict.
Last updated August 10, 2026