a stick to beat someone or something with

stick to beat (someone or something) with

Something, often a mishap or misdeed, that is used as an excuse for criticism. Even the slightest mistake by Stan was enough to give the boss a stick to beat him with.
See also: beat, stick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a stick to beat someone or something with

a fact or argument held over someone or something as a threat or an advantage.
See also: beat, someone, something, stick
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a rod/stick to beat somebody with
  • a stick to beat someone with
  • stick to beat (someone or something) with
  • catch (one) dead to rights
  • indict
  • indict for
  • indict for (something)
  • hang (someone) for (something)
  • hang for