tied to his mother's apron strings

tied to (one's) apron strings

Controlled or dominated by one. Used especially in reference to a man controlled by a woman. 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 her apron strings?
See also: apron, string, tie
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tied to his mother's apron strings

Momma's boy. An adult male deeply attached to his mother, dating from the era when mothers (and other homemakers and housekeepers) wore aprons.
See also: apron, string, tie
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • tied to (one's) apron strings
  • tied to apron strings
  • tied to someone's apron strings
  • tied to mother's apron strings
  • be tied to (one's) mother's apron strings
  • be tied to your mother's apron strings
  • apron strings, tied to (someone's)
  • in the grip of something
  • in the grip(s) of (something)
  • be tied to something's apron strings
References in periodicals archive
"Alex finds Katie's mum too controlling and Katie can't bear Alex being tied to his mother's apron strings.
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Tied to his mother's apron strings, neglected by his father and unhappy that daddy spends all his time with his alluring assistant, Tom has plenty of reasons for wanting shot of Greta.
A dull ring of truth; ANDREA HENRY thinks the Tolkien name isn't enough to sell a novel THE STEPMOTHER Simon Tolkien Penguin, pounds 9.99
He's not tied to his mother's apron strings, he's tied to his sister's.
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