idiom
Take the Law into Your Own Hands
take the LAW in-to your OWN hands
/teɪk ðə lɔː ˈɪntə jər oʊn hændz/Listen
Hear it in a clear American voice. Slow it down to catch each syllable.
Syllable breakdown
taketheLAWin-toyourOWNhands
Dictionary meaning
To punish someone or address a grievance through personal action rather than going through official legal channels, bypassing the justice system.
Examples
- After the burglary, he was tempted to take the law into his own hands, but called the police instead.
- Vigilante groups take the law into their own hands, which can lead to injustice.
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