under somebody's thumb

under (one's) thumb

Under another's authoritarian control; continually forced to submit to another's will. They seem happy when they're out and about, but I hear that Johnny is under his husband's thumb at home. Although the job paid well, I couldn't stand the way I was under the boss's thumb.

See also: thumb

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

under somebody’s ˈthumb

(informal) completely controlled or influenced by another person: Now that they’re married, she’s completely under his thumb and never sees her old friends.

See also: thumb

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017