Is this phrase offensive?

It is considered informal and vulgar due to its anatomical reference to pubic hair. It should be avoided in polite, formal, or professional settings.

Can it be used in the passive voice?

Yes, though less common. For example: 'He was left by the short hairs after the deal fell through.'

What is the difference between 'short hairs' and 'short and curlies'?

'Short and curlies' is the more explicit British variant, emphasizing the pubic hair reference. 'Short hairs' is the slightly softened, more common American form.

Is the phrase always negative for the person being controlled?

Yes, it describes a disadvantageous, vulnerable position for the object of the phrase.

Is “short hairs” formal?

Short hairs is usually informal, somewhat vulgar/idiomatic in register.

How do you pronounce “short hairs”?

Short hairs: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːt ˈheəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːrt ˈherz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

short hairs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1/C2

UK/ˌʃɔːt ˈheəz/US/ˌʃɔːrt ˈherz/

Informal, somewhat vulgar/idiomatic

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Quick answer

What does “short hairs” mean?

A state of complete vulnerability, control, or dominance over someone.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A state of complete vulnerability, control, or dominance over someone; being at someone's mercy.

The phrase originates from the literal idea of having someone by the short hairs (pubic hair), where they cannot escape without pain, thus giving the holder complete control.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

More common in American English, but understood in British English. The British equivalent is often 'have someone by the short and curlies'.

Connotations

Strong informal/vulgar connotation due to anatomical reference. Used in forceful, figurative speech.

Frequency

Low to medium frequency in spoken informal contexts; rare in formal writing.

Grammar

How to Use “short hairs” in a Sentence

[Subject] have/got [Object] by the short hairs

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

have [someone] by the short hairsgot [someone] by the short hairsby the short hairs

medium

caught by the short hairsheld by the short hairs

Examples

Examples of “short hairs” in a Sentence

noun

British English

After missing the payment, he knew the lender had him by the short hairs.
It was a classic case of being caught by the short hairs.

American English

The new evidence gave the prosecutor the defendant by the short hairs.
Once they signed the deal, they were by the short hairs.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, but possible in very informal negotiations: 'With that contract clause, we've got them by the short hairs.'

Academic

Not used.

Everyday

Informal conversations about power struggles, debts, or leverage.

Technical

Not used.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “short hairs”

Strong

have someone by the balls (vulgar)have someone by the short and curlies (UK, vulgar)

Neutral

have someone at one's mercyhave someone in one's powerhave someone over a barrel

Weak

have someone corneredhave someone in a bind

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “short hairs”

be at someone's mercybe powerlessbe under someone's thumb

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “short hairs”

Using 'hair' instead of 'hairs' (must be plural).
Omitting the possessive pronoun ('by short hairs' is incorrect).
Using in formal contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is considered informal and vulgar due to its anatomical reference to pubic hair. It should be avoided in polite, formal, or professional settings.
: Yes, though less common. For example: 'He was left by the short hairs after the deal fell through.'
: 'Short and curlies' is the more explicit British variant, emphasizing the pubic hair reference. 'Short hairs' is the slightly softened, more common American form.
: Yes, it describes a disadvantageous, vulnerable position for the object of the phrase.
: A state of complete vulnerability, control, or dominance over someone.
: Short hairs is usually informal, somewhat vulgar/idiomatic in register.
: Short hairs: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːt ˈheəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːrt ˈherz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“have someone by the short hairs”
“be caught by the short hairs”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a tough situation where you're literally held by short, sensitive hairs and cannot move without pain. That's the feeling of total helplessness this phrase describes.

Conceptual Metaphor

CONTROL IS PHYSICAL RESTRAINT; VULNERABILITY IS EXPOSURE OF A SENSITIVE AREA.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After defaulting on the loan, he found himself by the short hairs.

Multiple Choice

What does 'to have someone by the short hairs' mean?