be tied to something's apron strings
be tied to (something's) apron strings
To be controlled or dominated by something. If you accept money from that unsavory organization, you'll be tied to its apron strings for a long time.
See also: apron, string, tie
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
be tied to something's apron strings
If one country or organization is tied to another's apron strings, the first country or organization is dependent on and controlled by the second when it should be independent. The country was little more than a colony, tied to Canada's apron strings.
See also: apron, string, tie
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- be tied to (something's) apron strings
- be tied to your mother's apron strings
- be tied to (one's) mother's apron strings
- tied to mother's apron strings
- apron strings, tied to (someone's)
- tied to someone's apron strings
- tied to (one's) apron strings
- tied to apron strings
- tied to his mother's apron strings
- you'll catch your death