Meaning of the word "have (got) someone by the short and curlies" in English
What does "have (got) someone by the short and curlies" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
have (got) someone by the short and curlies
US /hæv ɡɑt ˈsʌm.wʌn baɪ ðə ʃɔrt ænd ˈkɜr.liz/
UK /hæv ɡɑt ˈsʌm.wʌn baɪ ðə ʃɔrt ænd ˈkɜr.liz/
Idiom
1.
(informal, sometimes offensive) to have complete control over someone, especially by having an advantage over them or by knowing something about them that they want to keep secret
Example:
•
The company had him by the short and curlies after he signed that contract.
•
She knew his secret, so she had him by the short and curlies.
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