Meaning Trapped by an opponent in a situation you can't escape.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- I knew he had been stealing but he was the boss's son. If I said anything he would get me sacked - he had me by the short and curlies.
Pronunciation
Idiom
Caught by the short hairs
What does "Caught by the short hairs" mean?
Trapped by an opponent in a situation you can't escape.
Caught by the short hairs (or short and curlies)
Britain, late 19th century. People assume this expression has a vulgar origin but, in fact, when coined the hairs referred to were those on the back of the neck.