be tied to (one's) mother's apron strings

be tied to (one's) mother's apron strings

To be controlled or dominated by one's mother. I'm worried that my husband will forever be tied to his mother's apron strings—he's a grown man but still does every little thing she asks! Can you make a decision on your own, or are you tied to your mother's apron strings?
See also: apron, string, tie
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tied to one's mother's apron strings

Fig. dominated by one's mother; dependent on one's mother. Tom is still tied to his mother's apron strings. Isn't he a little old to be tied to his mother's apron strings?
See also: apron, string, tie
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

be tied to your mother's apron strings

If someone is tied to their mother's apron strings, they are still dependent on their mother when they should be independent. A man who is still tied to his mother's apron strings is no use to me.
See also: apron, string, tie
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • be tied to your mother's apron strings
  • tied to mother's apron strings
  • apron strings, tied to (someone's)
  • be tied to (something's) apron strings
  • be tied to something's apron strings
  • apron
  • apron string
  • son
  • at (one's) mother's knee
  • at your mother's knee