By the scruff of the/somebody’s neck
phrase
To grab or hold someone by the back of their neck.
He picked the kitten up by the scruff of its neck.
Often appears as...
- grab someone by the scruff of the neck
- hold by the scruff of the neck
phrase
To take control of a situation in a forceful, assertive manner.
The team's new manager grabbed the problem by the scruff of the neck and transformed the team into a winning side.
Often appears as...
- grab the problem by the scruff of the neck
- take the situation by the scruff of the neck
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To grab or hold someone by the back of their neck.
He picked the kitten up by the scruff of its neck.
Often appears as...
- grab someone by the scruff of the neck
- hold by the scruff of the neck
phrase
To take control of a situation in a forceful, assertive manner.
The team's new manager grabbed the problem by the scruff of the neck and transformed the team into a winning side.
Often appears as...
- grab the problem by the scruff of the neck
- take the situation by the scruff of the neck
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Use
Used to describe physically holding an animal (or rarely, a person) at the neck's back.
The mother cat carried her kitten by the scruff of its neck.
Pro Tip 2/3Physical Control
Indicates someone is being controlled or handled in a rough, physical way.
The officer grabbed the suspect by the scruff of the neck.
Pro Tip 3/3Dominant Action
Shows an assertive and dominant action, often implying discipline or authority.
The nanny took the unruly child by the scruff of the neck to leave the park.
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