apron string

apron string
noun
(usually used in the plural) a cord used to tie an apron at the waist
Hypernyms: ↑cord
Part Holonyms: ↑apron

* * *

noun
: the string of an apron — usually used in plural as a symbol of complete dependence on or domineering control by a wife or mother

succeeds … in tying him to her apron strings forever — J.H.Lawson

* * *

noun, pl ⋯ strings [count]
: either one of a pair of strings that are attached to an apron and are used to keep it close to your body
— usually used figuratively

At 38 years old, he's still tied to his mother's apron strings. [=he is still controlled by his mother]

The company has relied on government support, but the government is now threatening to cut the apron strings. [=to stop providing support]


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • Apron string — A pron string The string of an apron. [1913 Webster] {To be tied to a wife s apron strings} or {To be tied to a mother s apron strings}, to be unduly controlled by a wife or mother. [1913 Webster] He was so made that he could not submit to be… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • apron string — n. a string for tying an apron on tied to one s mother s apron strings or tied to one s wife s apron strings dominated by one s mother (or wife, etc.) * * * …   Universalium

  • apron string — n. a string for tying an apron on tied to one s mother s apron strings or tied to one s wife s apron strings dominated by one s mother (or wife, etc.) …   English World dictionary

  • apron-string-hold —    obsolete    the occupation by a man of his wife s property    The use satirized English and Welsh land tenure freehold, leasehold, or copyhold. It also indicates what people thought of a man who lived off the estate of his wife, whose property …   How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms

  • apron-string — aˈpron string noun A string by which an apron is tied • • • Main Entry: ↑apron …   Useful english dictionary

  • apron string — noun Date: 1542 the string of an apron usually used in plural as a symbol of dominance or complete control < though 40 years old he was still tied to his mother s apron strings > …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • apron string — noun a) One of the pair of strings or narrow sewn cloth strips used to fasten an apron around the wearers waist. b) A symbol of the binding of a husband or of his fortunes to domestic life or to his wife …   Wiktionary

  • tied to an apron string — vp Dominated by the wife or a woman. Fred can t go fishing on the weekend; he s tied to his wife s apron string. 1930s …   Historical dictionary of American slang

  • apron string hold — noun An estate held by a man during his wifes life …   Wiktionary

  • apron — (n.) mid 15c., faulty separation (Cf. ADDER (Cf. adder), UMPIRE (Cf. umpire)) of a napron (c.1300), from O.Fr. naperon small table cloth, dim. of nappe cloth, from L. mappa napkin. Napron was still in use as recently as late 16c. The shift of… …   Etymology dictionary

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