be kept on a short leash

be kept on a short leash

To be strictly controlled (by someone); to not be allowed very much independence or autonomy. George has been kept on a short leash by his husband ever since he gambled away their life savings at a poker match. Everyone feels like they've been kept on a short leash ever since that new manager took over. I knew Gloria's assistant would be kept on a short leash, that's why I didn't apply for the job!

See also: kept, leash, on, short

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