apron strings

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR apron strings ON THESAURUS.COM

plural noun

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

Idioms

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.

Origin of apron strings

First recorded in 1535–45

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for apron strings

leash

Examples from the Web for apron strings

Historical Examples of apron strings

Mothers are all like that when you cut loose from their apron-strings.
The Trail of '98
Robert W. Service
The apron-strings of an American mother are made of India-rubber.
The Professor at the Breakfast Table
Oliver Wendell Holmes (Sr.)
There's not a word ever passed between us that ties me to your apron-strings.
Americans All
Various
Mam' Lyddy tightened her apron-strings about her stout waist.
Mam' Lyddy's Recognition
Thomas Nelson Page
I didn't think in these days boys were tied to their mothers' apron-strings.
The Forsyte Saga, Volume III.
John Galsworthy

Idioms and Phrases with apron strings

apron strings

see tied to someone's apron strings.