twist around one's finger

twist (someone) around (one's) (little) finger

To gain complete control or dominance over someone; to make someone do whatever one wishes. The spoiled little brat has completely twisted his parents around his little finger. It's plain for everyone to see that Sarah is twisting the boss around her finger. Ms. Smith gave Ben extra credit again. I hate the way he twists her around his little finger.

See also: around, finger, twist

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

twist around one's finger

Also, turn or wind or wrap around one's finger . Exert complete control over someone, do as one likes with someone, as in Alison could twist just about every man around her finger. This hyperbolic term dates from the mid-1800s.

See also: around, finger, twist

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.