# have someone by the short hairs

idiom

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

## Meaning

To have someone in a difficult situation in which he or she is without alternatives and can be controlled.

## Examples

- The bank has him by the short hairs because of his debt.
- Because she holds all the evidence, she has the manager by the short hairs and can demand whatever she wants.
- By controlling the supply chain, the corporation effectively had its competitors by the short hairs, leaving them no choice but to accept the unfavorable contract terms.

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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.