Grasping the nettle means taking a difficult or unpleasant situation head-on, dealing with it confidently, and taking charge. Some of the synonyms for grasp the nettle include taking the bull by the horns, facing the music, rising to the occasion, confronting the issue, tackling the problem, seizing the moment, and biting the bullet. All of these phrases mean the same thing, taking control of an uncomfortable or challenging situation and dealing with it directly. So, the next time you find yourself in a tough spot, remember to grasp the nettle!