# have someone by the balls

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-someone-by-the-balls
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To exercise total control over someone; to be in a position to threaten or extort someone.

## Examples

- 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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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.