have

have or hold the whip over {v. phr.}

To control; dominate.

Eugene has always held the whip over his younger brothers and sisters.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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buggy-whip

[buggy-whip] {n.}, {slang} An unusually long, thin radio antenna on a car that bends back like a whip when the car moves fast. * /He's very impressed with himself ever […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

crack the whip

[crack the whip] {v. phr.}, {informal} To get obedience or cooperation by threats of punishment. * /If the children won't behave when I reason with them, I have to crack […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

hold on to

[hold on to] {v. phr.} 1a. or [hold to] To continue to hold or keep; hold tightly. * /When Jane played horse with her father, she held on to him […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

whip up

[whip up] {v.}, {informal} 1. To make or do quickly or easily. * /Mary whipped up a lunch for the picnic./ * /The reporter whipped up a story about the […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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