grasp by

grasp (someone or something) by (something)

To take hold of someone or something by gripping something in particular. The mama cat grasped her kitten by the scruff of its neck and carried it off. I grasped Peggy by the shoulders and guided her down the hallway. Luckily, I was able to grasp the dog by the leash before she could bolt through the open gate.

See also: by, grasp

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

grasp someone or something by something

to hold onto someone or something by something. He grasped his friend by the hand and pulled him to safety. Sharon grasped the dog by its collar and held on tight.

See also: by, grasp

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.