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

The words of Caryll Carleigh came back to her: "If he was dead he'd have a hold over you that would keep you straight."

From The Tigress by Warner, Anne

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 Lever, Charles James

“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

The fact is he and some one else have a hold over me.

From A Coin of Edward VII A Detective Story by Hume, Fergus

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

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