by the short hairs

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

by the short hairs

Then they'll rush in, and then we've got 'em by the short hairs!'

From Soldier Stories by Kipling, Rudyard