Nobody fixed the broken door, so I took matters into my own hands.
take matters into one's own hands
idiomTo deal with a problem alone instead of waiting on others (often persons who are responsible and have failed to deal with the issue).
After waiting weeks for the landlord to repair the leak, she took matters into her own hands and hired a plumber herself.
Frustrated by the committee's endless delays, the director took matters into her own hands to ensure the project met its critical deadline.
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
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ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
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act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
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afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
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albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated July 12, 2026