Caught by the short hairs

Caught by the short hairs (or short and curlies)

Meaning

Trapped by an opponent in a situation you can’t escape.

Examples

I knew he had been stealing but he was the boss’s son. If I said anything he would get me sacked – he had me by the short and curlies.

Where did it originate?

Britain, late 19th century. People assume this expression has a vulgar origin but, in fact, when coined the hairs referred to were those on the back of the neck.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Caught by the short hairs