Antonyms for the phrase "taking the bull by the horns" include being passive, procrastinating, and avoiding responsibility. Individuals who are passive tend to avoid confrontation and responsibility, leading to a lack of motivation and unwillingness to take risks. Procrastinators tend to delay tasks or decisions, often due to fear or anxiety about the outcome. Finally, individuals who avoid responsibility tend to shirk tasks, leading to a negative impact on their work or personal life. While the phrase "taking the bull by the horns" encourages individuals to tackle problems head-on, its antonyms are characterized by inaction, hesitation, and avoidance.