keep (someone) on a short leash

keep (someone) on a short leash

To maintain strict or tight control over someone; to not allow someone very much independence or autonomy. Ever since George nearly lost his life savings in a drunken poker match, his husband started keeping him on a short leash. The boss has kept her assistant on a short leash ever since she hired her.
See also: keep, leash, on, short
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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)
  • a dog in the manger
  • (one) puts (one's) pants on one leg at a time
  • bargain
  • bargain for (someone or something) with (someone)