by the short and curlies

phrase

variants or less commonly by the short hairs

chiefly British, informal

: at a disadvantage : in a position where someone can use leverage (see leverage entry 1 sense 1) against one

Any time she wants something done she snaps her fingers, and you come running. She has you by the short and curlies.

—Jane O'Gorman

The policies announced this week are the latest … delivered by a Labour Government that seems to think it has … the automotive sector by the short and curlies when it comes to navigating the transition to electric vehicles.

—Rob Hull

Word History

Etymology

the short and curlies (or the short hairs) "pubic hair"

First Known Use

circa 1948, in the meaning defined above