# take matters into one's own hands

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-matters-into-ones-own-hands
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To deal with a problem alone instead of waiting on others (often persons who are responsible and have failed to deal with the issue).

## Examples

- Nobody fixed the broken door, so I took matters into my own hands.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.