Phrase guide

have someone by the short hairs

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: trzymać krótko — have someone in a difficult situation
  • Polish: trzymać w garści — have someone in a difficult situation
  • Polish: trzymać w szachu — have someone in a difficult situation
  • Polish: mieć w garści — have someone in a difficult situation
  • Polish: mieć w ręce — have someone in a difficult situation
  • Polish: mieć w ręku — have someone in a difficult situation
  • Russian: держа́ть на коротком поводке (deržátʹ na korotkom povodke) — have someone in a difficult situation