have someone by the short and curlies

Verb

colloquial idiomatic

(idiomatic, colloquial) to exercise total control over someone.

Japanese Meaning

（誰かに対して）完全な支配権を握る、完全にコントロールする。 / 相手を思い通りに操る、徹底的に掌握する。

Reports suggest they have someone by the short and curlies, giving them total power over the situation.

報告によると、彼らは誰かの首根っこを押さえており、それによって状況を完全に支配している。

Sense（1）

(idiomatic, colloquial) to exercise total control over someone.

has someone by the short and curlies

（ present singular third-person ）

having someone by the short and curlies

（ participle present ）

had someone by the short and curlies

（ participle past ）

had someone by the short and curlies

（ past ）