ลูกไก่ในกำมือ

Explanation

The expression consists of ลูกไก่ (“chick”), ใน (“in”), and กำมือ (“a closed or gripping hand”), literally creating the image of “a chick in a clenched hand.” The person holding the chick can tighten or loosen their grip at will. Figuratively, it describes someone whose fate is controlled by a more powerful person. The key idea is not merely weakness, but a specific power relationship in which one side can decide what happens to the other. Common patterns include เป็นลูกไก่ในกำมือของ + person (“to be completely at that person’s mercy”) and เหมือนลูกไก่ในกำมือ (“to be like a chick in someone’s hand”).

Usage

Used when a powerful person controls a weaker party, when someone cannot escape because another person holds evidence or damaging information, or when one side is overwhelmingly disadvantaged in a negotiation or relationship. It appears in conversation, news, and fiction, and usually conveys a serious or threatening imbalance of power.

Caution

It does not mean an easy task or merely something that is easy to catch. Because it portrays a person as helpless and disposable, saying it directly to someone can sound insulting, intimidating, or threatening.

1 someone completely under another’s control synonyms

• ตกอยู่ใต้อำนาจ

  ตกอยู่ใต้อำนาจ directly describes being subjected to someone’s authority or power. ลูกไก่ในกำมือ is more figurative and forceful, suggesting that the weaker person has virtually no way to escape or resist.

• อยู่ในกำมือ

  อยู่ในกำมือ broadly means to be in someone’s hands or under their control. ลูกไก่ในกำมือ adds the vivid image of a helpless chick, emphasizing vulnerability and the controller’s power over its fate.