have (someone or something) by the ears

have (someone or something) by the ears

To have someone or something fully under control or domination. The flu had me by the ears last week, but I'm finally feeling better now.See also: by, ear, have

have something by the ears

keep or obtain a secure hold on. 1949 Dylan Thomas Letter I am tangled in hack-work. Depression has me by the ears. See also: by, ear, have, something