ˈʌndər wʌnz θʌm
Body Parts
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- Pressed under someone's thumb
What does "under one's thumb" mean?
- Under someone's complete control
- Dominated or controlled by another person
Examples
- She has him under her thumb.
- The employees feel they're under the manager's thumb.
- He doesn't like being under anyone's thumb.
Origin
From the physical image of holding something down with the thumb. Suggests complete domination.
How to use it
Always implies excessive control. Often negative, describing unhealthy relationships.
Similar expressions
controlled
dominated
in someone's power
subservient
Opposites
independent
free
autonomous
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
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