grab by the lapels

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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. (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.