Under one's complete control. This expression is often used with get or have , as in She had her husband by the short hairs . It is in effect a euphemism for have someone by the balls , the hairs in question being pubic hair. [ Colloquial ; second half of 1800s]
to have someone completely in your power. The hard fact is that they have got us by the short hairs. We can't do anything without material support from them. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary.
informal. to have someone completely in one's power. See full dictionary entry for short.
Rudyard Kipling first used the expression in print back in 1890 in The Drums of the Fore and Aft. One of Kipling's characters, referring to the British, says, “They'll shout and carry on like this for five minutes. Then they'll rush in, and then we've got 'em by the short hairs!”
It is symbolic of letting go of the past, getting out of our hair whatever has been troubling us, cutting old ties and lightening the load to go forwards into a new future.”
Under one's complete control. This expression is often used with get or have , as in She had her husband by the short hairs . It is in effect a euphemism for have someone by the balls , the hairs in question being pubic hair. [ Colloquial ; second half of 1800s]
It symbolizes a tangible manifestation of change and control over one's appearance, providing a sense of agency during a period of vulnerability. Therefore, if you want to make a positive change in your life and take back control over your narrative after a bad breakup, you can start with your appearance.
have someone by the short and curlies in British English. informal. to have someone completely in one's power.
informal. to have completely in one's power. Their employer has them by the short and curlies.
Origin: This idiom has its roots in the 17th century. By that time, women were expected to wear their hair up in public, either in a bun, pinned on their head or in elaborate styles. They would only let their hair down in order to wash or brush it, or when they were alone at home and could relax.
to have to do the least enjoyable of a range of duties, often because you have been chosen to do it: Mike drew the short straw and had to clean the bathroom. Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples. having bad things happen by chance. unluckyShe is one of the unluckiest people I've ever met.
Definition of 'at the end of your rope'
feeling desperate because you are in a difficult situation and do not know how to deal with it. The usual British expression is at the end of your tether. Everything is dreadful and I am at the end of my rope. Easy Learning Idioms Dictionary.
informal. : to cause fright, shock, or surprise in someone. I've heard stories about that guy that would make your hair curl.
snip | American Dictionary
to cut something, usually with a few quick actions using scissors (= cutting device with two blades) or a similar device: I asked the barber just to snip the ends of my hair.
To argue about an inconsequential and trivial aspect of an issue: “When you are accused of being forty-five minutes late for an appointment, you are splitting hairs to say that you were really only forty minutes late.”
The Curly Girl Method is an approach to hair care designed by author Lorraine Massey for textured hair in its natural state (coils, waves, and curls) that has not been chemically relaxed. This method discourages the daily use of sulfate shampoo, which is considered too harsh for curly hair.
Quick Reference. Have someone by the short and curlies (or short hair) have complete control of a person (originally as military slang, referring to pubic hair). the short end of the stick an outcome in which one has less advantage than others.
A nickname for a person with curly hair. (humorous) A nickname for a bald person. A male given name.
to feel very ashamed and sorry: I just wanted to curl up and die when I spilled coffee on their new carpet! Embarrassing.
idiom. : to end (something) earlier than expected.
Through introspection and self-reflection, individuals uncover their innate resilience and capacity for growth. They learn to trust in their ability to navigate life's challenges, emerging from hardships with renewed confidence and self-assurance.
We've all seen it: the so-called “trauma bangs” or damaged “do-it-yourself” bleach blond hair that ensues after someone goes through a bad breakup. It is common for people to change their appearance after ending a relationship, but why exactly do we see frustration in the form of drastic hair transformations?
One reason for changing your hair is to exert a sense of authority following a relationship breakdown, which can often lead people to feel like they've lost control over their lives. 'It might be in order to make a statement, for example announcing "I'm in control of my appearance as well as my life"' says Dr Hole.