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take the initiative |
Also found in: Legal | 0.05 sec. |
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take the initiative (to do something) to activate oneself to do something even if one has not been asked to do it. The door hinges squeak because no one will take the initiative to oil them. Sometimes, in order to get things done, you have to take the initiative. See also: take take the initiative to be the first one to do something She wanted to move, to take the initiative, to give him a big hug. Usage notes: often said about an effort to solve a problem: Parents need to take the initiative with their children's after-school programs. See also: take How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| ? References in classic literature |
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I was aware of the demand for action, and, my old helplessness strong upon me, I was waiting for him to take the initiative. "Well, Clara, if you can suggest nothing, I suppose that I must take the initiative myself," said he. I had the protection, -- pardon my hesitation, count, but, for a Stuart, you, who understand everything, you will comprehend that the word is hard to pronounce; -- I had, I say, the protection of my cousin the stadtholder of Holland; but without the intervention, or at least without the authorization of France, the stadtholder would not take the initiative. |
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