take in hand en · VERB
Etymology
Possibly by analogy with a rider or stablehand taking the reins of a horse.
Meanings
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(UK) To take charge of, especially for purposes of discipline or improvement.
Unruly boys who will not grow up / Must be taken in hand / Unruly girls who will not settle down / They must be taken in hand
1985, “Barbarism Begins At Home”, in Meat Is Murder, performed by The Smiths:But thinke not thou that takest in hand to striue against God, that thou shalt escape vnpunished.
1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 2 Maccabees 7:19:Now I want you to take Vallett in hand and drill him stiff with everything that has to do with Tilehurst and Tapsfield.
1934, Ernest Bramah, The Bravo of London:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| took in hand | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| takes in hand | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| taking in hand | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| taken in hand | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |
Translations (2)
fr prendre en main (to take charge) · cy cymryd mewn llaw (to take charge)