PhrasesHub

Take the bit between your teeth

    Definitions

      • take control
        To take control of a situation or task and proceed with determination and independence

      • become stubborn
        To become stubborn or unyielding, especially in the pursuit of a goal or desire

    Examples of Take the bit between your teeth

    • Sarah was struggling to complete her project, but once she took the bit between her teeth, she worked tirelessly until it was finished.

      This is a metaphorical expression that suggests Sarah adopted a determined and focused approach to her work, much like a horse that eagerly takes the reins in its mouth and sets off at a gallop. Essentially, Sarah became highly motivated and persistent in her efforts to complete the project.

    • After losing their first three matches, the team took the bit between their teeth and fought back to win the tournament.

      This expression conveys that the team experienced a setback but then showed an intense and determined effort to overcome the obstacle. It implies that the team regained their confidence and played with more vigor and resilience.

    • The CEO of the company took the bit between his teeth and transformed the failing business into a profitable one.

      This expression highlights the CEO's bold and assertive leadership style, which helped him steer the company back into a favorable position. It suggests that the CEO became highly engaged and proactive in implementing the necessary changes to turn the business around.

    • While studying for his final exam, John took the bit between his teeth and studied tirelessly for eight hours straight.

      This expression denotes that John adopted a persistent and laser-focused approach to his studies, much like a horse that becomes highly focused and determined when its bit is in place. It implies that John became highly concentrated and steadfast in his efforts to prepare for the exam.

    • When Sarah graduated from college, she was excited to start her career and take the bit between her teeth. She was determined to make a name for herself in her industry and was willing to work hard to achieve her goals.

      This idiom, "take the bit between your teeth," means to approach a task or situation with enthusiasm and determination. It is derived from the action of a horse taking the bit in its mouth, signifying that the horse is eager to move forward. In this example, Sarah is applying this metaphor to her career, indicating that she is ready to take charge and push forward.

    • After years of struggling, John's business finally started to turn around. He didn't let this newfound success go to his head, instead, he took the bit between his teeth and continued to work hard, knowing that the road ahead was still long and challenging.

      Here, the idiom is being used to emphasize John's persistence and motivation, even in the face of success. It conveys that his success isn't just luck, but the result of his hard work and determination.

    • Sarah's new project at work was incredibly challenging, but she didn't let that discourage her. Instead, she took the bit between her teeth and tackled the project with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone's attitude towards a difficult task. It signifies that Sarah isn't just approaching the task with a normal work ethic, but with an added sense of enthusiasm and determination, making her more likely to succeed.

    • When Sarah's team was struggling, she took the bit between her teeth and rallied them together. She encouraged them to work harder and to believe in themselves, and her leadership skills helped them to succeed.

      This example shows how the idiom can also be used to describe someone's leadership abilities. It suggests that Sarah's strong leadership style and determination inspired her team to work harder and to achieve their goals.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "take the bit between your teeth" can be used to describe both taking control of a situation and becoming stubborn in the pursuit of a goal. It can be used to encourage someone to take charge and proceed with determination, or to caution against becoming too stubborn and unyielding.

    Origin of "Take the bit between your teeth"

    The origin of the idiom "take the bit between your teeth" can be traced back to the practice of horse riding. A "bit" is a metal mouthpiece used in a horse's bridle to control and direct the animal. When a horse takes the bit between its teeth, it ignores the rider's commands and takes control of its own direction. This idiom likely originated from this literal meaning, and over time, it came to be used figuratively to describe taking control or becoming stubborn in pursuit of a goal.

    The idiom is commonly used in English-speaking countries and has been in use for centuries. Its origins in horse riding make it a vivid and easily understood metaphor for taking control or becoming stubborn.