Get someone by the short hairs
Related Terms
have someone by the short hairs
verb phrase
To have complete control over a person; have a painful advantage: We’ve got them where the hair is short, and they can’t squirm out ( first form 1872+, second 1888+)
verb phrase
To have someone in a painful and helpless situation; have absolute control over; HAVE someone BY THE BALLS: When life gets you by the short hairs, it doesn’t let go/ Someone nasty and ruthless has him by the short hairs/ You’re in no position to make deals. We got you by the curlies/ We’ve got him by the knickers and he’s hurting
[1891+; fr the short hairs growing on the scrotum]
Read Also:
- Get someone down
verb phrase To depress or annoy; miff: That constant whine gets me down (1930+)
- Get someone off
verb phrase
- Get someone off the hook
verb phrase To aid someone in evading or preventing punishment, responsibility, etc: He falls for Ilona and winds up trying to get her off the hook (1864+)
- Get someone over a barrel
verb phrase To have someone in a helpless position: Okay, you got me over a barrel/ It may look like you got me over a barrel now (1930s+)
- Get someone up
verb phrase To inspire and energize someone, esp for a game, examination, or other ordeal; PSYCH someone UP: Steinbrenner thinks he can get the players up for games [1940s+; up in a similar sense, ”excited, vivacious,” is found by 1815]