Значение идиомы take by the scruff
[take by the scruff] {v. phr.} 1. To assert authority over aperson.
Tim’s mother took him by the scruff and told him to getcleaned up.
2. To punish a person.
The boss took us by the scruffwhen he found us chatting idly by the coffee machine.
3. To assumefirm control over a job or a situation that has been causing somedifficulty.
Someone had better take the post office by the scruff;there are too many customer complaints pouring in.