grab by the lapels

Meanings:

• 1.

  Globalinformal
  • To seize a person's clothing at the front (typically the lapel), usually to restrain, jolt, or compel them physically.

• 2.

  Globalinformal
  • To grab and hold someone's attention, especially in order to force them into a conversation or to demand their focus.

• 3.

  Globalinformal
  • To take forceful, decisive control of an activity, situation, or process.