throat noun ▶ have by the throat to have someone completely under control AUSTRALIA,1947
Look out, world! We’ve got ya by the throat! — Jack Bennett, Gallipoli, p. 46, 1981
Can you chop out the smokes? They’re no good to you, but you’re hooked. Nicotine has got you by the throat; literally. — Barry Dickins, WhattheDickins, p. 60, 1985