by the ears
In a state of conflict; fighting, scuffling.
Who ever hears of fat men heading a riot, or herding together in turbulent mobs? No - no, your lean, hungry men who are continually worrying society, and setting the whole community by the ears. Washington Irving
As the saying is, I have got a wolf by the ears. Terence
Slander-mongers and those who listen to slander, if I had my way, would all be strung up, the talkers by the tongue, the listeners by the ears. Plautus
Pull someone by the ears and his head will follow. Hindi Proverb
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. Italian Proverb