be putty in (one's) hands

be putty in (one's) hands

To be easy to control or bend to one's wishes. (Putty is a very malleable material.) Oh, come on, Julia is putty in our hands—we can definitely get her to help us with this prank.

See also: hand, putty

be like putty (or wax) in someone's hands

be easily manipulated or dominated by someone.

1975 Sam Selvon Moses Ascending Bob was there, and I gave him a little bit of crumpet, and afterwards he was like putty in my hands.

See also: hand, like, putty