Take the bull by the horns

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Meaning

To face a challenge boldly, grabbing it head-on.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to ranching; bull wrestling showed grit, slang by 1870s for dare. A 1873 'Chicago Tribune' uses it for a bold act.

Usage Examples

  • Take the bull by the horns; face him!
  • She took the bull by the horns and won.
  • Bull by the horns; deal with it now.

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