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have a hold over

Idioms  
  1. Also, have a hold on. Have a controlling influence over. For example, Blackmailers have a hold over their victims, or, as Shakespeare put it in The Merchant of Venice (4:1): “The law has yet another hold on you.” [Late 1500s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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For my pride's sake I desired that my reasons should be reserved for myself alone; for my actual benefit it was necessary that I should have a hold over my colleagues in office.

From The Fortunes Of Glencore by Charles James Lever

“By good luck I have a hold over both Esquire Hennion and Bagby, and I’ll threat them that unless they let you live at peace I’ll use it.”

From Janice Meredith by Paul Leicester Ford

I have a hold over you, and you will do my bidding.

From Jacqueline of Golden River by Ralph P. (Ralph Pallen) Coleman

When Benson told his story I asked myself, Could Charles' conduct be dictated by the desire to have a hold over Benson—with a view to blackmail later on?

From The Shrieking Pit by Arthur J. (Arthur John) Rees

I have a hold over you besides that of your oath.

From The Haunted Room A Tale by A. L. O. E.

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