leading strings

[ lee-ding ]

/ ˈli dɪŋ /

Save This Word!

plural noun

strings for leading and supporting a child learning to walk.

excessively restraining guidance: His parents tried to keep him in leading strings, but he finally married and moved away.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of leading strings

First recorded in 1670–80

Words nearby leading strings

leading mark, leading note, leading question, leading rating, leading reins, leading strings, leading tone, leading wind, lead line, lead monoxide, leadoff

How to use leading strings in a sentence

"I reckon I will have to put leading strings on both of you," replied Lawrence, with a smile.
The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn
He allowed himself to be taken in leading-strings; this, his first romantic adventure, gave him intense pleasure.
The conquest of Rome|Matilde Serao
And then he was amenable to flattery, and few that are so are proof against the leading-strings of their flatterers.
Orley Farm|Anthony Trollope
He declared he would not submit his works to any ones correction; and that he would no longer be kept in leading-strings.
The Book of Curiosities|I. Platts

Meanwhile the English drama, freed from its leading strings, will find its own way for itself.
The English Stage|Augustin Filon