be tied to something's apron strings
be tied to (something's) apron strings
To be controlled or dominated by something. If you accept money from that unsavory organization, you'll be tied to its apron strings for a long time.
be tied to something's apron strings
If one country or organization is tied to another's apron strings, the first country or organization is dependent on and controlled by the second when it should be independent. The country was little more than a colony, tied to Canada's apron strings.