hold the bull by its/the horn(s)

To confront or deal with a problem or difficult situation directly and with clear, confident action. I finally held the bull by the horn and confronted my manager about the blatant sexism in the office. I've been complaining about being out of work for too long. It's time to hold the bull by the horns and go find a job! A: "I wish those two would just hold the bull by its horns and talk through their differences." B: "I know, it's so awkward to be around them with all this tension."