have on the string

have (someone) on the string

To keep someone awaiting a decision. They told me they would call last week! I wonder how long they plan to have me on the string.
See also: have, on, string
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have someone on the string

Fig. to have someone waiting for a decision. Sally has John on the string. He has asked her to marry him, but she hasn't replied yet. Yes, it sounds like she has him on the string.
See also: have, on, string
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • have (someone) on the string
  • on the string
  • keep (one) on a string
  • have (someone) on a string
  • have someone on a string
  • have/keep somebody on a string
  • string up
  • strung up
  • strung out
  • string out