on a string
The phrase "on a string" often describes situations where someone is under another's control or influence, with roots in the imagery of puppetry.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)Being completely under someone's control or influence.
Example
- She had him on a string, making him do whatever she wanted.
- The boss kept the employees on a string with promises of promotions.
C1General
(dated)Being in a state of great anxiety or suspense.
Example
- He felt like he was on a string, waiting for the exam results.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on a string":
string betstring togetherstring upfirst stringstring outstrung outstring of beadspull stringson the hookon the lineon the high ropesecond stringapron stringleading stringsstring of pearlsin a box