get (one) by the short and curlies

get (one) by the short and curlies

To have complete control or dominance over one. "The short and curlies" refers to the hairs on one's neck (not pubic hairs, despite popular misconceptions). With all that evidence against you, I'd say the police have got you by the short and curlies. Sometimes, I think Mark's wife has got him by the short and curlies.
See also: and, by, curly, get, short
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

get (or have) someone by the short and curlies (or short hairs)

have complete control of a person. informal
See also: and, by, curly, get, short, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • get someone by the short and curlies
  • have (one) by the short and curlies
  • have someone by the short and curlies
  • get/have somebody by the short hairs
  • get (one) by the short hairs
  • short hairs
  • get (someone) by the balls
  • have (one) by the balls
  • have a man by the balls
  • have someone by the balls