have (someone or something) by the throat

1. Literally, to hold someone by their throat, as to assault or subdue them. The mugger had me by the throat and demanded that I give him my wallet. A: "Billy's bullying you? Oh, I will have him by the throat by the end of the day." B: "Whoa, Sis, calm down." A: "When I got there, our neighbor had Dad by the throat!" B: "How did a disagreement over proper lawn care get so out of hand?"

2. To capture and hold someone's attention or emotions. Her latest mystery novel is sure to have you by the throat. The shocking tragedy had the entire country by the throat as it played out on national news. A: "I heard that movie was really good! Did it have you by the throat?" B: "Not exactly. I slept through most of it."

3. To take assertive, dominant control of someone or something. If he manages to acquire another media company, he'll have the entire industry by the throat. They had their opponents by the throat for most of the game, but they lost control toward the end. I'm afraid Legal has us by the throat until this audit is done, so if they ask us for any files, that becomes your top priority.