leading-strings
Definition
Noun (plural only): - Physical support for learning to walk: "leading-strings" refers to a set of straps or harnesses used to support a young child while they are learning to walk, preventing falls and guiding their movements. - Figurative: excessive guidance or control: In a metaphorical sense, "leading-strings" denotes a state of being overly dependent on others for direction, guidance, or control, often implying a lack of independence or autonomy, similar to how a child is guided by physical strings.
Usage Examples
- Physical sense:
- The toddler wore leading-strings as her parents helped her take her first steps. (A harness used to support a child learning to walk.)
- Figurative sense:
- He felt he was still in leading-strings at his new job, unable to make any decisions without his supervisor's approval. (He felt excessively controlled and dependent on guidance, like a child.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be in leading-strings": a common idiomatic expression meaning to be under strict control or guidance, often with a negative connotation of being treated as a child.
- The young artist refused to remain in leading-strings, insisting on creative freedom. (She rejected being controlled or overly guided.)
Variants and Related Words
- Leading-string (noun, singular): a single strap or string used for this purpose.
- The parent adjusted the leading-string before the child began to walk. (A single strap for guidance.)
- String-led (adj): guided or controlled as if by strings.
- The string-led approach to management stifled employee initiative. (An overly controlling style of management.)
Synonyms
- Harness: a set of straps used to control or guide a child or animal.
- Tether: a rope or chain used to restrict movement.
- Guidance: direction or control provided to someone less experienced (neutral connotation).
- Apron strings: a similar idiom meaning excessive maternal control or dependence.
Related Idioms
- Tied to someone's apron strings: to be overly dependent on or controlled by someone, typically a mother or authority figure.
- Even as an adult, he remained tied to his mother's apron strings, unable to make his own choices. (He was excessively dependent on his mother.)
- Leading strings of dependency: a phrase emphasizing a state of enforced reliance.
- The colonial administration kept the region in leading strings of dependency for decades. (The region was kept under strict, childlike control.)