short leash

short leash

A phrase that highlights one's lack of independence or autonomy due to being strongly controlled by another. George has been on a short leash with his husband ever since he gambled away their life savings at a poker match. Everyone feels like they're on a short leash at the office ever since that new manager took over.
See also: leash, short
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • be on a short leash
  • be kept on a short leash
  • leash
  • be on a tight leash
  • be kept on a tight leash
  • on a short leash
  • a long leash
  • long leash
  • beck and call
  • made in China
References in periodicals archive
The Home Secretary did not nameVladimir Putinbut said "we all know what's at the top of the Russian government" and the GRU military intelligence service operated on a "very short leash from the Kremlin".
Prediction: Sabathia will likely have a solid outing, while Morton will be on a short leash. Expect Hinch to make the right bullpen moves to ensure a tight Astros win.
SHORT LEASH Corbyn will now govern foreign policy decisions
Alger has been both a starter and reliever for Eugene and knew he would come in early with Fetter on a short leash.
Mr Justice Smith told Richard Snowden QC, for RBS: It seems to me that the way to consider it would be to run declarations, order disclosure and give them (Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett) a short leash to put up or shut up.
He said: "Companies are now on a very short leash. If they cannot show the will and capacity to change, we would expect Ofgem to refer aspects of the markets to the Competition Commission.
She's become the kept woman of a slovenly boutique owner who keeps her on a short leash. Souad remains too meek to demand her freedom.
Sam Jones, from the Academy, said: ``Shaun and Clint Boon have been friends for a long time so I think Clint will have him on a short leash for the set.
A short leash of three months was given before formally putting Pakistan on grey-list in June.
If it's Roark that gets the start, he'll likely be on a short leash and exit the game if he runs into any trouble.
THIS old dog no longer needs to be kept on a short leash - Ronnie Wood is getting Satisfaction with his wife walking their pet beagle.
Jeroen Tesselaar 6 Kept it tight at the back and did well to keep Billy Mckay on a short leash. Sean Kelly 6 Had to dig deep after the break.
They must pay PS75 compensation to Rambo's owner and PS1,613 court costs, in addition to muzzling and keeping their dog on a short leash.
Better yet, I hope a new majority will tell us they were on the cusp and, after reconsideration, will place their support with the Y - and give Dave Perez a short leash until he and the Y board make clear their viable plan for creating a dream facility for the kids and families of our town.
And considering he was benched last month for freelancing in games, it would seem he's working on a very short leash at the moment.