to  have   somebody  by the balls
have
hæv
hāv
somebody
sʌmbɒdi
sambodi
by
baɪ
bai
the
ðə
dhē
balls
bɔ:lz
bawlz

Definition & Meaning of "have somebody by the balls"in English

to have somebody by the balls
01

to have power and influence over someone 

to [have] {sb} by the balls definition and meaning
Idiom
Offensive

What is the origin of the idiom "have someone by the balls" and when to use it?

The idiom "have someone by the balls" originated as a crude and vulgar metaphor, referring to the physical vulnerability and control that comes from grasping or squeezing someone by their testicles, a sensitive and highly sensitive area. The exact origin of this expression is difficult to pinpoint, as it likely emerged through colloquial usage and evolved over time. It is a vivid and provocative idiom that vividly conveys a sense of power, dominance, or control over another person. It is typically used to describe a situation where one person has gained a significant advantage or control over another, often through leverage or manipulation.

Examples
Once she found the emails, she had him by the balls. 
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