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3. keep (someone) on a short leash

keep (someone) on a short leash

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keep (someone) on a short leash

To maintain strict or tight control over someone; to not allow someone very much independence or autonomy. Ever since George nearly lost his life savings in a drunken poker match, his husband started keeping him on a short leash. The boss has kept her assistant on a short leash ever since she hired her.

See also: keep, leash, on, short