# take the law into one's own hands

idiom

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

## Meaning

To punish someone according to one's own idea of justice, without consideration for the role of law enforcement authorities.

## Examples

- You should not take the law into your own hands.
- The neighbors were so angry about the constant noise that they threatened to take the law into their own hands.
- Frustrated by the police's failure to identify the culprit, the victim felt compelled to take the law into his own hands to seek retribution.

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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.