under somebody's thumb

under (one's) thumb

Under another's authoritarian control; continually forced to submit to another's will. They seem happy when they're out and about, but I hear that Johnny is under his husband's thumb at home. Although the job paid well, I couldn't stand the way I was under the boss's thumb.
See also: thumb
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

under somebody’s ˈthumb

(informal) completely controlled or influenced by another person: Now that they’re married, she’s completely under his thumb and never sees her old friends.
See also: thumb
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • under (one's) thumb
  • under someone’s thumb
  • under someone's thumb
  • under thumb
  • under the thumb of (someone)
  • take (someone) at his/her word, to
  • get on like a house afire
  • get on like a house on fire
  • what's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine
  • be rubbing your hands
References in classic literature
It's all being under somebody's thumb. What's on your mind, Jim?