have (got) a tiger by the tail

have (got) a tiger by the tail

To be involved with someone or something that is powerful and could become troublesome or threatening. Now that I have to work closely with the CEO on this project, I feel like I have a tiger by the tail.
See also: by, have, tail, tiger
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have a tiger by the tail

 and have got a tiger by the tail; have a bear by the tail
Fig. to have become associated with something powerful and potentially dangerous; to have a very difficult problem to solve. You have a tiger by the tail. You bit off more than you could chew. You've had a bear by the tail ever since you agreed to finish that big project.
See also: by, have, tail, tiger
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

have (or catch) a tiger by the tail

= ride a tiger.
A similar difficulty confronts those who have a wolf by the ears (see wolf).
1979 Peter Driscoll Pangolin You're taking on an organization with reserves you know nothing about. How do you know you won't be catching a tiger by the tail?
See also: by, have, tail, tiger
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

have a tiger by the tail

tv. to have become associated with something powerful and potentially dangerous. (Have got can replace have.) You have a tiger by the tail. You bit off more than you could chew.
See also: by, have, tail, tiger
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • catch a tiger by the tail
  • blame for
  • blame for (something)
  • blamed
  • conspire with (someone) against (something or someone)
  • the blame for (something)
  • chain of command
  • pilfer
  • pilfer from
  • pilfer from (someone or something)