on a string

Idioms and Phrases

Under someone's control, as in She'll drop everything whenever Sam asks for something—he's got her on a string . This expression, alluding to pulling an animal on a leash, dates from the late 1500s, when it was put as in a string .

Example Sentences

Harris, jumping on a string of chilling remarks by Trump, has spent the closing days of the campaign focusing mainly on her rival's dictatorial and vengeful fantasies.

From Salon

The oversight commission originally embarked on a string of special hearings in early 2022 as part of an long-term effort to investigate deputy gangs.

From Los Angeles Times

“He knows where defensive players are going to be,” Williams said. “so he can move ‘em on a string.”

From Los Angeles Times

It also opens with a sample of Sandie Shaw's Puppet on a String.

From BBC

The trailer showed Astro soaring through desert, snow and mountain environments, and taking on a string of quirky enemies.

From BBC

Related Words

• attentive
• compliant
• deferential
• devoted
• docile
• dutiful
• faithful
• law-abiding
• loyal
• respectful
• subservient