have the world by the tail

== English == === Alternative forms === have the world by the bag (vulgar), have the world by the balls (vulgar), have the world by the neck, have the world by the nuts (vulgar), have the world by the testicles, have the world on a string, have the world by the tail on a downhill pull === Pronunciation === === Verb === have the world by the tail (third-person singular simple present has the world by the tail, present participle having the world by the tail, simple past and past participle had the world by the tail) (idiomatic) To possess great influence and opportunity. ==== Usage notes ==== Also appears in such similar phrases as grab the world by the tail, got the world by the tail. Often used in describing a situation in which a person possesses great, and perhaps excessive, self-confidence. ==== See also ==== have someone by the short hairs