apron strings

American  

plural noun

1. the strings on an apron, used for securing it around one's person.

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idioms

1. tie to someone's apron strings, to make or be dependent on or dominated by someone.

   He has never married because he's tied to his mother's apron strings.

apron strings More Idioms  

1. see tied to someone's apron strings.

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Etymology

Origin of apron strings

First recorded in 1535–45

Example Sentences

How do I manage my mother’s anxieties while disentangling myself from her apron strings?

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2019

He tells me the scarification symbolises the purging of their mothers' blood and the gaining of their own adult blood - in a somewhat excruciating metaphorical severing of the apron strings.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2018

Only in this frenzied ojyuken world could apron strings stir up such passion.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2018

If you’re trying to cut the apron strings, why work with your mother?

From Washington Post • Aug. 31, 2017

He staggered over to Travis and jerked hard on his apron strings, untying them.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner