lose (one's) hold over (someone or something)

lose (one's) hold over (someone or something)

To no longer have a direct control, influence, or authority over someone or something. The president's political party lost its hold over congress after several senators lost their seats in the recent election. After the landmark election, and as the dictator finally lost his hold over the citizens of the country, people flocked to the streets to celebrate.See also: hold, lose, over