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

Kyrgios, who has already upset his betters, thinks the stars do have a hold over the next generation – but shouldn’t.

From The Guardian

Given the enduring scale of US fears about Mr Putin, it is not surprising that the election of a president backed by Russia and seemingly open to Russian demands causes alarm, particularly if the Russians have a hold over him.

From The Guardian

They still have a hold over us—just look at how many Fast and Furious movies keep coming at us—but the world we drive in is changing.

From Time

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown on Wenger's altercation with Mourinho: "I was a little surprised. Mourinho has worked hard to get under his skin. Arsene's record against him is poor and every turn he seems to have a hold over Arsene and he certainly had it on Sunday."

From BBC

I wouldn't say I have a hold over him - he's obviously their star man and his record is phenomenal.

From BBC