have someone on a string

have (someone) on a string

To have great influence over someone. If you want to have someone on a string, flattery always helps. The performer was electrifying, and he had the entire audience on a string by the end of the show. Because of the debt he owes her, she'll always have him on a string.

See also: have, on, string

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

have someone on a string

or

keep someone on a string

If someone has you on a string or keeps you on a string, they can make you do whatever they want, because they control you completely. It's so unfair — she keeps him on a string and he's crazy about her.

See also: have, on, someone, string

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012