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.
See also: of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 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.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017