in the grip of {sth}
1
used for saying that someone or something is affected or taken over by a very difficult or undesirable situation
The idiom "in the grip of something" does not have a specific documented origin, but it uses the word "grip" in a figurative sense to describe a situation where someone is strongly affected or controlled by something, such as an emotion, circumstance, or influence. This idiom has been in use for many years to convey the idea of being firmly under the influence or control of a particular force or situation.
- Lebanon remained in the grip of an intense political crisis.
- The entire region has been in the grip of a terrible drought.
- The country was in the grip of a severe economic crisis, affecting everyone's livelihood.
- He found himself in the grip of fear during the thrilling roller coaster ride.
- In the grip of a passionate love affair, she made decisions that she later regretted.
Synonyms: