Meaning
Completely controlled or dominated by another specific person, often within a personal relationship such as a marriage, family, or close partnership.
It typically carries a critical or pitying tone, suggesting the dominated person has little independence or say of their own.
Origin
The idiom is documented in English as far back as the late 14th century, making it one of the older idioms in this collection. It draws on the simple physical image of pressing something small down firmly with a thumb, holding it securely in place and under complete control — extended metaphorically to a person being similarly held down and controlled by another’s will.
Examples
He’s completely under his boss’s thumb at work.
She refuses to be under anyone’s thumb.
The younger brother has always been under his sister’s thumb.
A: Why won’t he stand up to her? B: He’s totally under her thumb.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Under someone's thumb' mean?
Completely controlled or dominated by another specific person, often within a personal relationship such as a marriage, family, or close partnership.
It typically carries a critical or pitying tone, suggesting the dominated person has little independence or say of their own.
How do you say 'Under someone's thumb' in Russian?
How do you say 'Under someone's thumb' in Spanish?
How do you say 'Under someone's thumb' in French?
Related idioms
- Money burns a hole in one's pocket
- Wind down
- Grass is always greener on the other side
- Turn back the hands of time