have (someone) on a string

have (someone) on a string

To have great influence over someone. If you want to have someone on a string, flattery always helps.
See also: have, on, string
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have someone on a string

or

keep someone on a string

If someone has you on a string or keeps you on a string, they can make you do whatever they want, because they control you completely. It's so unfair — she keeps him on a string and he's crazy about her.
See also: have, on, someone, string
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

have/keep somebody on a ˈstring

make somebody do what you want because you have control over them: Of course, he’s rich and powerful enough to keep several people on a string.
This idiom refers to a puppet (= a model of a person or an animal) that is controlled with strings attached to parts of its body.
See also: have, keep, on, somebody, string
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • 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)
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • bank on someone
  • bargain
  • bargain for (someone or something) with (someone)