definitions

by the short hairs

Under one's complete control. This expression is often used with get or have, as in She had her husband by the short hairs. It is in effect a euphemism for have someone by the balls, the hairs in question being pubic hair. [Colloquial; second half of 1800s]

RELATED CONTENT

👩‍🦱 - Woman, Curly Hair Emoji - Emoji by Dictionary.comRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
Every Day Was Wacky Hair Day In The 1700sThe Fontange was the hipster of 1700s hair—the cool hairstyle before it was cool.
READ MORE

Nearby words

by the day, by the dozen, by the numbers, by the same token, by the seat of the pants, by the short hairs, by the skin of one's teeth, by the sweat of one's brow, by the way, by turns, by virtue of
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.