get (one) by the short and curlies
To have complete control or dominance over one. "The short and curlies" refers to the hairs on one's neck, despite popular misconceptions. With all that evidence against you, I'd say the police have got you by the short and curlies. Sometimes, I think Mark's wife has got him by the short and curlies.
get (or have) someone by the short and curlies (or short hairs)
have complete control of a person. informal