leading strings
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.
Origin of leading strings
1Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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. DunnHe allowed himself to be taken in leading-strings; this, his first romantic adventure, gave him intense pleasure.
The conquest of Rome | Matilde SeraoAnd then he was amenable to flattery, and few that are so are proof against the leading-strings of their flatterers.
Orley Farm | Anthony TrollopeHe 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. PlattsMeanwhile the English drama, freed from its leading strings, will find its own way for itself.
The English Stage | Augustin Filon
Browse