keep (someone) on a short leash

keep (someone) on a short leash

To maintain strict or tight control over someone; to not allow someone very much independence or autonomy. Ever since George nearly lost his life savings in a drunken poker match, his husband started keeping him on a short leash. The boss has kept her assistant on a short leash ever since she hired her.

See also: keep, leash, on, short

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.