take in hand
English
editEtymology
editPossibly by analogy with a rider or stablehand taking the reins of a horse.
Verb
edittake in hand (third-person singular simple present takes in hand, present participle taking in hand, simple past took in hand, past participle taken in hand)
- (UK) To take charge, especially for purposes of discipline or improvement.
- 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 2 Maccabees 7:19:
- But thinke not thou that takest in hand to striue against God, that thou shalt escape vnpunished.
- 1985, “Barbarism Begins At Home”, in Meat Is Murder, performed by The Smiths:
- 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