leash (redirected from straining at the leash)

be straining at the leash

to be very eager to do something that you are being prevented from doing at the present time. Meanwhile we hear that our soldiers have reached a peak of fitness and are straining at the leash.

See also: strain

have/keep someone on a short/tight leash

to have a lot of control over someone's behaviour and allow them very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn't go out with the lads so much these days. Michelle keeps him on a tight leash.

See also: keep, short, tight

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keep someone on a tight leash

to allow someone very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn't go out with the guys much now that his girlfriend is around to keep him on a tight leash.

Usage notes: sometimes used with have: The police will have a tight leash on all the suspects until the trial.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of leash (= a length of rope or leather used to prevent a dog or other animal from getting away)

See also: keep, tight