lead someone by the nose
lead (one) (around) by the nose
To exert a high degree of control over someone else. I can't stand the way your mother leads you around by the nose like that and tells you what to do!
See also: by, lead, nose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
lead someone by the nose
orlead someone around by the nose
If someone leads you by the nose or leads you around by the nose, they control you completely so that you do whatever they want. This nation has been led by the nose in foreign affairs. The Government has let itself be led by the nose by the timber trade. Note: This expression is used to indicate that the person or organization being controlled is weak. Note: Bulls and other animals sometimes have rings through their noses so that a rope can be tied to the ring in order to lead them along. This expression is used in Shakespeare's play Othello, when Iago says Othello `will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.' (Act I, Scene 3)
See also: by, lead, nose, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
lead someone by the nose
control someone totally, especially by deceiving them. informalThe image here is of an animal being controlled by a restraint round or in the nose. Shakespeare used this expression in Othello ( 1604 ): ‘The Moor…will as tenderly be led by th'nose As asses are’.
See also: by, lead, nose, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- lead (one) (around) by the nose
- lead by the nose
- lead somebody by the nose
- muscle in on (someone or something)
- rub (up) against (someone or something)
- rub against
- hold sway
- hold sway (over someone)
- hold sway over
- put the screws