take in hand

Possibly by analogy with a rider or stablehand taking the reins of a horse.

take in hand (third-person singular simple present takes in hand, present participle taking in hand, simple past took in hand, past participle taken in hand)

1. (UK) To take charge, especially for purposes of discipline or improvement.
   • 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 2 Maccabees 7:19:

     But thinke not thou that takest in hand to striue against God, that thou shalt escape vnpunished.

   • 1985, “Barbarism Begins At Home”, in Meat Is Murder, performed by The Smiths:

     Unruly boys who will not grow up / Must be taken in hand / Unruly girls who will not settle down / They must be taken in hand