grasp the nettle Definition

grasp
verb grasped, grasping

1. To take a firm hold of something or someone; to clutch.

Thesaurus: clutch, grip, enclose, clasp, clinch, grab, catch, seize, snatch, nab.
2. To make a movement as if to seize it.

Form: grasp at something (often)
Form: grasp after something
3. To understand.

Thesaurus: comprehend, understand, get, perceive, apprehend, realize, see, envisage, imagine.

noun

1. A grip or hold.

Thesaurus: grip, clutches, hold, clasp, embrace, possession, reach.
2. Power or control; ability to reach, achieve or obtain.

Example: felt the promotion was within her grasp
3. Ability to understand.

Example: beyond their grasp
Thesaurus: understanding, perception, ken, comprehension, scope, capacity, awareness, insight.

Idiom: grasp at straws

See under clutch.

Idiom: grasp the nettle

See under nettle.

Etymology: 14c as graspen.

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nettle
noun

1. A plant covered with hairs that sting if touched.
2. A plant that resembles this, but does not sting. See also dead nettle.

verb nettled, nettling

1. To offend or irritate someone.

Thesaurus: annoy, chafe, irritate, pester, disturb, fret, exasperate, harass, needle, pique, ruffle, sting, tease, vex.
2. To sting someone.

Idiom: grasp the nettle

To deal boldly with a difficult situation.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon netele.