Sayings. The expression "got him by the short and curlies" is very descriptive but is offensive to some?

Question

Can anyone suggest a less offensive saying with the same powerful meaning?

Answer 1

Yeah got him by the bollax

Answer 2

Well, if someone is THAT sensitive, why not say "got him by the whatnots"?  If he/she finds that offensive, it's all in their mind . . .  

Answer 3

It could only be offensive because it's slightly crude. Some people are so sensitive!

Try 'got him over a barrel', which is much more socially acceptable, but probably much cruder. It depends what you're going to do with him when he's over a barrel.

The older an expression is the less likely it is to offend. For example 'poppycock' is considered twee, but it actually comes from Old Dutch: pappe cakke - 'soft s**t'.

Answer 4

Hmmm an easier way is to avoid all the numpties that find the saying offensive, seriously they need to get a life. Idk maybe they are waxed rofl.

Answer 5

Got him by the goolies.

Answer 6

hairy axe wound?

Answer 7

Got a death grip on the family jewels

Answer 8

perhaps ' gripped by the naughties ' but, anyone offended by ' the short and curlies ' is repressed, has too much time on their hands, and needs to get out more.

Answer 9

It would surely only be offensive to the sort of person who covers up table legs to avoid their nakedness !

ie the terminally stupid !