grasp the nettle
/ɡrɑːsp ðə ˈnet.əl/
Meaning
To face a difficult, unpleasant, or painful situation with courage, determination, and without delay. This idiom originates from the physical reality that grabbing a stinging nettle firmly prevents it from stinging you, metaphorically suggesting that tackling a problem decisively is less painful than hesitating. It is primarily used in British, Australian, and Commonwealth English.
Examples
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It's a tough decision, but we need to grasp the nettle and lay off underperforming staff.
It's a tough decision, but we need to grasp the nettle and lay off underperforming staff.
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Rather than worrying about the debt, she decided to grasp the nettle and call the bank.
Rather than worrying about the debt, she decided to grasp the nettle and call the bank.
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The government must grasp the nettle and reform the healthcare system now.
The government must grasp the nettle and reform the healthcare system now.
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He knew he had to grasp the nettle and tell his partner the truth about the missing money.
He knew he had to grasp the nettle and tell his partner the truth about the missing money.
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We've been putting off this conversation for days, so let's just grasp the nettle and talk.
We've been putting off this conversation for days, so let's just grasp the nettle and talk.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We must hold the nettle tightly.
✓ We must grasp the nettle.
The verb in this idiom is strictly 'grasp,' and adding 'tightly' is unnecessary as 'grasp' already implies a firm hold.
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✗ She grasped the needle and made the call.
✓ She grasped the nettle and made the call.
A common listening error is confusing 'nettle' (the stinging plant) with 'needle.'
Related Expressions
Practice
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The board needs to ___ and replace the CEO before the company loses more money.
💡 Deal with a difficult problem decisively.
Show answer
grasp the nettle
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It won't be an easy conversation, but you have to ___ and tell him he's off the team.
💡 Tackle an unpleasant task bravely.
Show answer
grasp the nettle