leech

cling like a leech

To engage with someone in a parasitic, clinging manner. (A leech is a type of worm that latches on to other animals to feed on their blood.) Her younger brother clings like a leech, always hanging around us and asking for money. That one friend of yours sure clings like a leech. Did you pay for his entire night out? You need to get a job and stop clinging like a leech to Mom and Dad!

See also: cling, leech, like

leech

1. noun A person who preys or overly depends upon another, or who clings to another in an parasitic manner. Her younger brother is a bit of a leech, always hanging around us and asking for money.

2. verb To cling to or overly depend upon another person in a parasitic manner, like a leech. She's always leeching off the work other people do in the office.

like a leech

In or having a parasitic, clinging manner or demeanor. Her younger brother is like a leech, always hanging around us and asking for money.

See also: leech, like

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

like a leech

persistently or clingingly present.

This idiom refers to the way in which a leech attaches itself by suction to the person or animal from which it is drawing blood: the parasites are very difficult to remove once they are attached to the skin and feeding.

See also: leech, like

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017