hold by the button

present singular third person holds by the button · participle present holding by the button · participle past held by the button · past held by the button

1. archaicidiomatictransitiveTo detain in conversation to the point of weariness or tedium; to bore while tallking to

   When a slanderer addresses himself to any one, let him only withhold his attention, while he argues thus with himself: --- Why does this man hold me by the button, and seem so desirous of calling my attention to another's failings?

   1798, A Clergyman of the County of Kent, Crude Thoughts

   Synonyms: buttonhole