grab by the lapels

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Verb

grab by the lapels (third-person singular simple present grabs by the lapels, present participle grabbing by the lapels, simple past and past participle grabbed by the lapels)

1. To buttonhole someone (into conversation).
2. (idiomatic) To exert control over (something).
   • 2014 June 20, Daniel Taylor, “World Cup 2014: Uruguay sink England as Suárez makes his mark”, in guardian.co.uk:

     Rooney, back in his central role, had a good opportunity soon afterwards but his left foot has never been a great weapon and Suárez was the only attacker here capable of grabbing the game by its lapels.