grasp the nettle

phrase

: to act boldly

Word History

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of grasp the nettle was in 1832

Rhymes for grasp the nettle

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Browse Nearby Words

graspless
grasp the nettle
grass
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Cite this Entry

“Grasp the nettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grasp%20the%20nettle. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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