# feel someone's collar

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/feel-someones-collar
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To arrest someone.

## Examples

- The police officer stopped him to feel his collar.
- The detective waited outside the bank until he could finally feel the thief's collar.
- After a long investigation into the suspect's illegal activities, the authorities moved in to feel his collar at the airport.

## Origin

The expression is derived from the physical act of an arresting police officer seizing a suspect by the collar. It emerged from the practical requirements of law enforcement, where the grip served to ensure a prisoner's compliance and prevent their departure before formal proceedings could commence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.