clinging vine

noun

, Informal.

1. a person who behaves in a helpless and dependent manner in relationships with others.

clinging vine

noun

1. informal.
   a woman who displays excessive emotional dependence on a man

Word History and Origins

Origin of clinging vine¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Idioms and Phrases

An overly dependent person, as in A clinging vine since her marriage, she's never made a decision on her own . Nearly always applied to a woman (or wife), this metaphor for a climbing plant today criticizes dependency rather than, as in former times, praising the vine's fruitfulness.

Example Sentences

She looked as if she could be very intense, though she was of that clinging-vine variety of young woman.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a determination and conviction in Helen's tone much at variance with the masculine theory of the clinging vine.

From Project Gutenberg

We used that word at Gresham to describe the girls who have a leaning, clinging-vine way of flopping on you.

From Project Gutenberg

I mean the fragile, lady landlady, the clinging vine bereft of the supporting husband oak.

From Project Gutenberg

I hope you won't think I'm a clinging vine, but I can't help being afraid of something here every time I'm away from you.

From Project Gutenberg