scruff

A team of young, unflappable characters is a positive, but sometimes you need players to take the game by the scruff of the neck.

He really grabbed the entire Pakistan team by the scruff of the neck.

Built sturdy, with a shaved head and a scruff of beard, he sits in a chair with his left foot planted on the ground.

But I liked what I saw: a strong jawline, a little scruff, broad shoulders and the unmistakable curve of biceps under his shirt.

You have to be sure you are never going to take your hand off the scruff of that cat's neck until you get it into the bathtub.