The phrase "taking in hand" usually refers to assuming responsibility or control over a situation or person. Antonyms for this phrase include releasing, letting go, relinquishing, abandoning, and forfeiting. When one releases someone or something, they give up control or responsibility for it. Letting go implies a similar action, although it may have different connotations depending on context. Relinquishing is a synonym for surrendering or yielding, and forfeiting implies a loss or surrender of something valuable. All of these antonyms suggest a lack of control or responsibility, rather than being in charge of a situation or person.