leading strings
Americanplural noun
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strings for leading and supporting a child learning to walk.
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excessively restraining guidance.
His parents tried to keep him in leading strings, but he finally married and moved away.
Etymology
Origin of leading strings
First recorded in 1670–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Right or wrong, Britain is not responsible for it, and Mr. Wallace's picture of the United States in leading strings is quite fanciful.
From Time Magazine Archive
"I reckon I will have to put leading strings on both of you," replied Lawrence, with a smile.
From The Courier of the Ozarks by Dunn, Byron A. (Byron Archibald)
"Cast off your leading strings, and work out your own theories to suit yourselves," Bobby answered unhesitatingly.
From The Dominant Strain by Edwards, H. C. (Harry C.)
Another century elapsed before the muse of the Hebrew drama escaped from leading strings.
From Jewish Literature and Other Essays by Karpeles, Gustav
Do not allow the alluring title "a fine wide ranger" to tempt you to let him out of leading strings.
From The Dog by Dinks
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
