put something in hand—undertake a task; begin work on smth.:
- We have put the work in hand, and it should be completed within the next week.
take something in hand—
1. = put something in hand:
- We are just now taking in hand a massive program for the redevelopment of the city center.
2. take charge or control of smth.:
- She was no business woman, and until her son took them in hand, her affairs were chaotic.