Meaning of the word "take the law into your own hands" in English

What does "take the law into your own hands" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

take the law into your own hands

US /teɪk ðə lɔː ˈɪntuː jʊər oʊn hændz/
UK /teɪk ðə lɔː ˈɪntuː jɔːr əʊn hændz/
"take the law into your own hands" picture

Idiom

to punish someone or take action to prevent something bad from happening without involving the police or the legal system, often in a way that is illegal or violent

Example:
After the robbery, the victim decided to take the law into his own hands and track down the thieves himself.
The police warned the community not to take the law into their own hands, even if they felt frustrated.