牛ぎゅう耳じる

godan verb (-ru), transitive verb

control; dominate; have under one's thumb

Implies strong, often behind-the-scenes control over a group, organization, or situation. The literal image is 'to hold the ox's ear', suggesting firm guidance.

• 彼かれは会かい社しゃを陰かげで牛ぎゅう耳じっている。

  He controls the company from behind the scenes.

• 少しょう数すうの幹かん部ぶが組そ織しきを牛ぎゅう耳じっている。

  A few executives dominate the organization.