[Grammar] Man saves Australian woman during shark attack

[EngFan]

Dear all,
I don't understand the usage of "grabbed a shark by the tail" which reported by CNN.

To me, I would say A quick-thinking man grabbed a shark's tail. CNN says "A quick-thinking man grabbed a shark by the tail", from my understanding the man used his tail to grab the shark....please tell me if CNN is grammatically incorrect in this case? Thanks



(CNN) -- A quick-thinking man grabbed a shark by the tail as it attacked an Australian woman, causing the shark to release its bite on her, rescue officials said.

 

[Munch]

CNN is grammatically correct - it means he grabbed the shark's tail. Some similar phrases that came to mind:

I've got a tiger by the tail.
Take the bull by the horns.
Take you by the hand.

 

[Raymott]

... from my understanding the man used his tail to grab the shark....

This would be written, "The man grabbed the shark with his tail."
However, it seems that the man grabbed the shark by the tail with his hands.
"with" is always used here, not "by".