get (one) by the short and curlies

get (one) by the short and curlies

To have complete control or dominance over one. "The short and curlies" refers to the hairs on one's neck (not pubic hairs, despite popular misconceptions). With all that evidence against you, I'd say the police have got you by the short and curlies. Sometimes, I think Mark's wife has got him by the short and curlies. He found out about my involvement and is using it to blackmail me—he's got me by the short and curlies.

See also: and, by, curly, get, short

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

get (or have) someone by the short and curlies (or short hairs)

have complete control of a person. informal

See also: and, by, curly, get, short, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017