cut the apron strings

cut the apron strings

To lessen 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 cut 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 cut the apron strings.
See also: apron, cut, string
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cut the apron strings

If a person, a country or an organization cuts the apron strings, they become independent. At 21, I was still living the life I'd been living when I was 15. I just had to get away from that, to cut those apron strings. Note: Verbs such as loosen or let go of can be used instead of cut. Don't give up on university. It will be good for her as well as you for you to loosen the apron strings now.
See also: apron, cut, string
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • apron strings
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • accompany (one) on a/(one's) journey
  • accompany on a journey
  • 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 for (someone or something) with (someone)
References in periodicals archive
I wish he'd grow up and cut the apron strings. I'd love your opinion.
I'm fed up with his mum taking charge of his life; DMUULS DEAR COLEEN The UK's most straight-talking problem dearcoleen@mirror.co.uk FRIDAY 12.04.2019 DAILY MIRROR 41
Position: Goalkeeper Job: Accountant Settling into his new(ish) flat but yet fully to cut the apron strings as adeptly as his dad cuts his toenails.
ROBINS PEN PICS; ROBINS PEN PICS ROBINS PEN PICS ROBINS PEN PICS
"Carmel isn't quite ready to cut the apron strings firmly attached to her son Kush.
Bonnie Walford; Former child star joins EastEnders as a gobby divorcee from Essex
"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 Walford; Former child star to join Enders
"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.
Langford to swap West End for EastEnders
It's time to cut the apron strings and let the kids experience the outside world.
Happy campers
WHEN the dream of first-class cricket became reality at Durham, on April 12 1992, Geoff Cook thought he had cut the apron strings.
No taking Cook off the menu
"Gocompare.com is my baby and I'm certainly not ready to cut the apron strings just yet.
Comparison site sets the pace as it shows 21% rise in profits; COMPANIES IN TOUGH MARKET LINE UP TO SHOW RESULTS
And although he has cut the apron strings, he is not too far away from mum and dad.
Turner's making himself at home; Young defender has big plans for future
It's time to cut the apron strings. Enabling a romantic partner's neurosis is especially dangerous.
Your Stars for the week with Russell Grant
Will Darren finally be brave enough to cut the apron strings?
up close with ... VINNIE JONES
A final note to parents: This is the time to cut the apron strings. Unless there's absolutely no other choice, don't sign as a co-signer on a lease.
Apartment hunting tips for college grads: looking for your first place? We've got the tools you'll need for a successful search
Well according to the experts a new, more savage, breed is emerging that refuses to cut the apron strings on their children even when they go to university and start applying for jobs.
Take-off of the new 'helicopter parents'
She has a broken marriage behind her and a free-spirited late-teen daughter, Deirdre (Diane Davis), anxious to cut the apron strings.
Old Acquaintance
He not only had to convince the parents to cut the apron strings and encourage the student with pep talks, but also sweet-talk the college administrators to build ramps, curb cuts, wider doors, accessible rest rooms, etc.
"Tim" street