apron string

Related to apron string: Apron shoulder straps

apron string

figurative That which binds a woman to her husband or child. The phrase likely alludes to "apron-string tenure," a 17th century law by which a husband could control his wife's property (and her family's) during her lifetime. Often used in the phrase "tied to (one's) apron string(s)." I can't believe how much Michael is tied to his mother's apron string! That's the only explanation for him still living at home at age 40!
See also: apron, string
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • apron
  • et con.
  • et vir
  • be tied to (one's) mother's apron strings
  • be tied to your mother's apron strings
  • (I'm) just saying
  • can't live with them, can't live without them
  • trophy wife
  • cancel each other out
  • be damned if you do and damned if you don't
References in periodicals archive
But if nothing changes, then you have to think about the consequences of being with a man who's so tied to his mum's apron strings. He might expect you to be another mother figure when you move in together.
Morony's inspiration for the Apron Strings Trilogy was her strong relationship with her maid and caretaker, who taught her more about life and love than anyone has since.
If at all the Congress wants him to be its face against Modi, Rahul has to be allowed to detach himself from his mother's apron strings.
Amongst them you'll find Bobby Helms' Schoolboy Crush, Apron Strings by Billy The Kid, and Carl Perkins' Pointed Toe Shoes.
Norman and Lillian Kennedy are cutting the apron strings after being Barnardo's longest-serving foster carers.
Inspired by male TV chefs such as Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Nigel Slater, it is no longer just special occasions such as Christmas and Valentines Day when men take over the apron strings in the kitchen either.
Kirsty Ward, head of Asda Money, says: "Letting go of the apron strings and seeing the kids drive off for the first time is a significant moment for any parent but it comes with a whole new set of worries.
Walking a sometimes wobbly line between charming and cloying, "Sassy Pants" is a fable-like comedy that charts a young woman's gradual liberation from the apron strings of her divorced mother, with only limited help from the depressed gay father she moves in with.
Matthew ended up packing up his mixing bowl and whisk and heading home with his apron strings dangling.
But now she and her family have made it to BBC One and her sitcom series, Mrs Brown's Boys, about an Irish mammy who refuses to cut the apron strings from her grown-up children, has just begun.
Growth of physician insourcing of histology labs: With increasing federal regulations associated with purchasing services from an outside entity, physicians are investigating the in-office histology laboratory as a means to increase revenue and efficiency, and cut the "apron strings" pathologists have with hospitals.
children swimming in shoes, apron strings knotted, playing home.
When they decide to forego grandparent duties by moving to Belgium, the parentless Verona is no longer tied down with apron strings like so many people are by manipulative relatives.
Girls eight to 12 are typically still attached to Mom's apron strings and often look at Mom as a hero," said Karen Grant, vice president and senior beauty industry analyst, The NPD Group.
They are still tied to mother 'England's' apron strings in this day and age.