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By the scruff of the/somebody’s neck

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Literal Use

Used to describe physically holding an animal (or rarely, a person) at the neck's back.

Illustration for Literal Use
The mother cat carried her kitten by the scruff of its neck.
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Physical Control

Indicates someone is being controlled or handled in a rough, physical way.

Illustration for Physical Control
The officer grabbed the suspect by the scruff of the neck.
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Dominant Action

Shows an assertive and dominant action, often implying discipline or authority.

Illustration for Dominant Action
The nanny took the unruly child by the scruff of the neck to leave the park.
Visual representation of the word "By the scruff of the/somebody’s neck"

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