apron strings

apron strings

The extent to which someone controls, influences, or monitors someone else, especially parents in relation to their children. Mothers these days are so fussy about their kids, having to know where they are at every second of the day. They would really do well to loosen the apron strings a little, if you ask me! Sending kids to summer camps has been in decline in recent years, as parents have become less and less inclined to loosen the apron strings. Can he make a decision of his own, or is he going to stay tied to the president's apron strings?
See also: apron, string
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(tied to) your mother’s, wife’s, etc. ˈapron strings

(too much under) the influence and control of somebody, especially your mother, wife, etc: The British prime minister is too apt to cling to Washington’s apron strings.
See also: apron, string
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
  • accompany on a journey
  • bring (someone or something) into contact with (someone or something)
  • a stranger to (someone or something)
  • be out of (one's) league
  • be out of somebody's league
  • be in bad with (someone)
  • big spender
  • bargain
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.
It's a big yes because heading off to university is not only about studying, it is about untying yourself from your parents' apron strings and starting to stand on your own two feet.
Being tied to the apron strings of mam mawr across the border does us no good at all.
The cast took on their roles perfectly; Gethin was an innocent and boundlessly energetic presence as the Prince, Jenny was calm authority personified in the role of the Queen letting go of the apron strings, while Ceri's versatility shone through adopting the multiple personalities of a myriad princesses.
"Carmel isn't quite ready to cut the apron strings attached to her son - even if it means clashing spectacularly with a prickly Shabnam."
"Bonnie brings wit, pathos and a touch of class to Carmel Kazemi - a thoroughly modern Essex divorcee who isn't quite ready to cut the apron strings firmly attached to her son Kush.
In the spring issue of Herizons, Renee Bondy wrote a thoughtful article, "Ties to Apron Strings," in which she made reference to the generation of women memorialized and remembered in this book.
The force of the blades on which the apron strings had snagged began to slam Jackson backward "until I realized what was happening and broke the string," he said.
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.
She's a typical Irish mammy, she won't let go, they'll be tied to the apron strings for the rest of their lives...
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.