in clutches

in(to) (someone's) clutches

Under the control of an evil person or thing. This will no longer be a sneak attack if our strategy falls into the terrorist group's clutches.See also: clutch

in(to) someone's clutches

Fig. in the control of someone who has power or authority over someone else. Snow White fell into the clutches of the evil witch. Once you're in my clutches, I'll ruin you.See also: clutch