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"To grab the bull by the horns" means that you should tackle a problem or face a danger directly disregarding personal hazard or concern. As an example if you think you might have cancer don't put off doing anything, spend time researching it on the internet or ask friends what they think. You should go to a doctor and get it checked out. If surgery or chemo is required - do it. Don't waste time with prayers or bogus cures.The expression may have originated in the American west where cowboys would have to wrestle cattle to the ground to brand them. Grabbing them anywhere but by the horns would lead to a lot more work and less success. Greenhorns were advised to grab the bulls by the horns to resolve the issue quickly.

Alternately the expression may go back to Minoan time where the sport of bull-leaping saw acrobats grabbing the bull by the horns so that ht animals instinctive head toss would lift them high into the air.

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10y ago

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