have someone by the balls
To exercise total control over someone; to be in a position to threaten or extort someone.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The boss has him by the balls because of his past mistakes.”
“Because the company holds all the evidence of his fraud, they have him by the balls regarding his future employment.”
“By securing exclusive control over the supply chain, the rival firm effectively had the smaller manufacturer by the balls, forcing them to accept any terms offered.”
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as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
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ball hog
In team sports, a player who keeps the ball to themselves, rather than passing it.
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ball of fire
A person who is especially active, ambitious, hard-working, or high-achieving.
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ball of malt
A glass of whiskey.
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balls of steel
Courage, audacity.
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balls to the wall
With maximum effort or commitment.
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beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
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bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
Last updated August 10, 2026