lead by the nose

1. Dominate or control someone, as in “The Moor ... will tenderly be led by the nose as asses are” (Shakespeare, Othello, 1:3). This expression alludes to an animal being led by a ring passed through its nostrils. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

At the start of the war, Putin had been "led by the nose" by Ukraine and the West, but also by Russia's security agencies and defence industry.

From Reuters

The defence relied upon proving the group had been led by the nose by officials.

From BBC

"Yet again we have no business case for East-West Rail," he said, accusing the Treasury of being "led by the nose" in to the announcement.

From BBC

As higher order animals, we are often led by the nose beyond our understanding.

From Salon

Mr. Sanger argued Wikipedia readers “do not want to be led by the nose” before criticizing the website for not allowing content that cites outlets like the populist British tabloid The Daily Mail.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• command 
• control 
• dictate 
• influence 
• lead 
• manage 
• monopolize 
• overshadow 
• prevail 
• run