horn (redirected from drawing in horns)

be on the horns of a dilemma

to be unable to decide which of two things to do because either could have bad results. How can we decide which hospital to close? We are on the horns of a dilemma.

See also: dilemma

blow your own trumpet (British & Australian, American & Australian)

to tell other people how good and successful you are. Anyone will tell you she's one of the best journalists we've got, although she'd never blow her own horn.

See also: blow

draw/pull in your horns

to act in a more careful way than you did before, especially by spending less money. He'll have to draw in his horns, now that he's lost his job.

See also: draw, pull

lock horns

if two people lock horns, they argue about something. The mayor and her deputy locked horns over the plans for the new road. (often + over)

See also: lock

take the bull by the horns

to do something difficult in a determined and confident way. Why don't you take the bull by the horns and tell him to leave?

See also: bull, take

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horn in (on someone/something)

to interrupt or try to become involved when you are not welcome. George worried that his brother would try to horn in on the company's success.

in on something

let someone in on something

lock horns (with someone)

to argue with someone in a very determined way. In her new movie she plays a middle-aged college student who locks horns with her professor.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of two fighting animals such as deer whose horns lock together

See also: lock

on the horns of a dilemma

unable to decide between two things because either could bring bad results. Nonprofit groups are often caught on the horns of a dilemma – they have to satisfy their donors, but at the same time, they need to attract new donors.

See also: dilemma

take the bull by the horns

to forcefully attack a difficult situation. I took the bull by the horns and confronted him about his drinking.

Etymology: based on the idea that holding a bull (= male cow) by its horns is a brave and direct action

See also: bull, take