lead somebody by the nose
lead (one) (around) by the nose
To exert a high degree of control over someone else. I can't stand the way your mother leads you around by the nose like that and tells you what to do!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
lead somebody by the ˈnose
make somebody do everything you want; control somebody completely: Unfortunately, she’s allowed herself to be led by the nose for years, so it doesn’t surprise me that she isn’t happy.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017