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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

have a hold over

If their rent were in arrear, would the merchant not have a hold over them?-He,

From Second Shetland Truck System Report by Guthrie, William

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 Rees, Arthur J. (Arthur John)

The priests alone have any sympathy with their sufferings, and naturally alone have a hold over them.

From The Life of Gordon, Volume II by Boulger, Demetrius Charles

“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 Ford, Paul Leicester

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

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