be kept on a tight leash

be kept on a tight leash

To be strictly controlled (by someone); to not be allowed very much independence or autonomy. George has been kept on a tight leash by his husband ever since he gambled away their life savings at a poker match. Everyone feels like they've been kept on a tight leash ever since that new manager took over.
See also: kept, leash, on, tight
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be on a tight leash
  • be kept on a short leash
  • leash
  • be on a short leash
  • on a short leash
  • short leash
  • on a tight lead
  • on a short lead
  • on a tight leash
  • keep a tight rein on (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
"Hull have defenders capable of keeping Campbell quiet, but he''s a player who needs to be kept on a tight leash this weekend."
Tigers are warned over old boy Campbell
Conclusion - spending has to be kept on a tight leash.
We cannot live on tick