seize it with both hands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seize it with both hands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to take full advantage of an opportunity or situation. Example: "When the job offer came, I knew I had to seize it with both hands and make the most of this chance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Let's seize it with both hands".

The Guardian

He should seize it with both hands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now it's up to all sides to seize it with both hands.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the hype around hyphy presented an opportunity, and E-40 was canny enough to seize it with both hands.

The Guardian - Music

To see an opportunity, pick up on any mistake or miscalculation by your opponent and seize it with both hands - it's why we do this job.

The Guardian - Sport

"For a long time, we were at the end of the earth and on the dark side of the moon," said Thomas Keneally, the author and critic, "so when there is a chance to shine, we tend to seize it with both hands".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It's clearly a dream role, and Scanlan seizes it with both hands.

Independent

It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I seized it with both hands.

Harvard Business Review

In the London Whale, these traders saw a rich opportunity, and they seized it with both hands.

The New York Times

It was, he says, "an extraordinary university", and when the opportunity came to apply for the job of vice-chancellor in 2007, he seized it with both hands.

The Guardian

Taylor has missed a number of series during the past two years due to an anxiety illness, affording Jones her chance and, although she probably would not have wanted it to arrive under those circumstances, she has seized it with both hands.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seize it with both hands" when you want to emphasize the enthusiasm and commitment one should have when facing an opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using "seize it with both hands" in contexts that require a more delicate or cautious approach; the phrase implies a very assertive and enthusiastic action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seize it with both hands" functions as an idiomatic expression, conveying the idea of eagerly and enthusiastically taking advantage of an opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seize it with both hands" is a common and generally correct idiomatic expression used to convey enthusiastic and decisive action when facing an opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in written English. While it appears frequently in news and media, and is acceptable for wiki content, careful consideration should be given to its use in highly formal contexts. Remember to use it when you wish to emphasize the eagerness and commitment one should have when facing a chance, and choose more appropriate alternatives when the situation is more delicate or when more formal language is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab the opportunity

Replaces "seize it with both hands" with a more direct expression of taking an opportunity. Emphasizes speed and eagerness.

take full advantage

Focuses on exploiting all possible benefits of a situation, rather than just accepting it.

make the most of it

Highlights the effort to derive maximum value or enjoyment from something.

embrace the chance

Suggests a willing acceptance and enthusiastic adoption of an opportunity.

jump at the opportunity

Conveys immediate and enthusiastic acceptance of an opportunity.

capitalize on the moment

Emphasizes turning a specific point in time into an advantage.

exploit the situation

Implies using the circumstances for personal gain, which can have a negative connotation.

grasp the nettle

An idiomatic expression meaning to tackle a difficult situation boldly. It does not include any reference to an opportunity.

take the bull by the horns

To face a problem directly and decisively, but doesn't necessarily imply an opportunity.

run with it

Suggests taking an idea or opportunity and developing it further with energy and initiative. Has less strength than QUERY.

FAQs

How can I use "seize it with both hands" in a sentence?

You can use "seize it with both hands" to express taking advantage of an opportunity with great enthusiasm and determination. For example: "When the job offer came, I knew I had to seize it with both hands and make the most of this chance."

What does it mean to "seize it with both hands"?

To "seize it with both hands" means to take advantage of an opportunity eagerly and wholeheartedly, committing oneself fully to the task or situation.

What can I say instead of "seize it with both hands"?

You can use alternatives like "grab the opportunity", "take full advantage", or "make the most of it" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "seize it with both hands" in formal writing?

While "seize it with both hands" is widely understood, it might be considered slightly informal for certain types of formal writing. In such cases, consider alternatives like "take full advantage" or "capitalize on the moment".