in the grip of something

in the grip(s) of (something)

Controlled, dominated, or greatly affected by something, especially that which is undesirable or adverse. The entire region has been in the grip of a terrible drought. Poor Lauren has been in the grips of pneumonia for nearly a week. Many young people can't afford to live on their own because they are in the grip of student loan debt.

See also: of

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

in the ˈgrip of something

experiencing something unpleasant that cannot be stopped: The whole country is in the grip of a serious recession.

See also: grip, of, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017