have (someone) by the balls

very informal!

to have someone in a situation where you have complete power over them.

I owe them £5,000. They've got me by the balls.

• other side of the coin
• other side of the tracks
• other than
• other things being equal
• out-and-out
• out in left field
• out in the middle of nowhere
• out in the open
• out like a light
• out loud
• out of a clear blue sky
• out of action
• out of a paper bag
• out of a rut
• out of a their rut
• out of bounds
• out of breath
• out of circulation
• out of commission
• out of control
• out-of-date
• out of depth
• out of hair
• out of hand
• out of hands