tied to mother's apron strings

be tied to (one's) mother's apron strings

To be controlled or dominated by one's mother. I'm worried that my husband will forever be tied to his mother's apron strings—he's a grown man but still does every little thing she asks! Can you make a decision on your own, or are you tied to your mother's apron strings? I can't believe how much Michael is tied to his mother's apron strings! That's the only explanation for him still living at home at age 40!

See also: apron, string, tie, to

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

tied to one's mother's apron strings

Fig. dominated by one's mother; dependent on one's mother. Tom is still tied to his mother's apron strings. Isn't he a little old to be tied to his mother's apron strings?

See also: apron, string, tie, to

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.