Under Someone's Thumb.
English
idiom
Controlled, dominated, or heavily influenced by someone.
Trusted by1.5M+English learners & teachers worldwide
Controlled, dominated, or heavily influenced by someone.
Trusted by1.5M+English learners & teachers worldwide
Completely under someone else's control, with very little freedom.
When you are under someone's thumb, that person dictates what you do and you have little say in your own choices.
It's used with a negative tone, implying the control is unfair or limiting.
"At Someone's Beck and Call"
—
Available to respond to every demand, more about availability than control
"Under Someone's Spell"
—
Completely enchanted or influenced by someone, often with a positive or romantic tone
"Under Someone's Thumb"
—
Being controlled and restricted by someone else with little freedom to decide
The team can't function if they're under his thumb for every small decision.
You're right — I'll talk to him about delegating more.
You never do anything without checking with him first.
I know. I feel under his thumb and I don't know how to change it.
Does she seem happy to you?
Not really — she's under his thumb. It's hard to watch.
