It's an English language idiom that means you have power over them and can make them do whatever you want because the pain, (real or financial) would be intolerable if you make good on whatever threat you have.

[–] Eheran 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I know, again, how do you have any power over them?

[–] Maggoty 2 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

Oh, well if they just closed on a house or had a kid then they need a steady income. They'll be willing to take a pay or benefits cut to keep their job instead of spending months trying to get a new job.

[–] Eheran 2 points 2 weeks ago

Oh ... "The salesperson" is not some (bad) colleague, it is the person getting layed off!