The phrase "to grasp the nettle" means facing a difficult or unpleasant situation directly and decisively, despite the challenges it may present. Full definition
Malcolm Trobe of the ASCL head teachers» union supported the government for grasping the nettle of unfair regional differences in funding. (bbc.co.uk)
Government, please take note, if you don't grasp the nettle now the opportunity will go begging and the taxpayer will end up funding the debt... again. (conservativehome.blogs.com)
We must grasp that nettle with resolution. (leftfutures.org)