apron string

noun

: 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Weighing in at only five ounces, and sporting a handy little clip, this is a tool you will keep tucked into the pocket of your jeans or, thanks to the carabiner-style hinge, clipped onto your apron string. —By Sunset, Sunset Magazine, 2 Nov. 2022

To many, the country had been tied to the apron strings of the Bretton Woods institutions and had to wean itself off as soon as possible. —Priscilla Twumasi-baffour, Quartz Africa, 8 July 2019

With every royal visit, especially from the Wales brothers and their wives, the idea of cutting the apron strings from the colonial motherland becomes a tougher call. —Juliet Rieden, Town & Country, 1 Nov. 2018

Hold on to your apron strings, though, the bidding doesn’t begin until May 19. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit, 26 Apr. 2018

To many, the country had been tied to the apron strings of the Bretton Woods institutions and had to wean itself off as soon as possible. —Priscilla Twumasi-baffour, Quartz Africa, 8 July 2019

With every royal visit, especially from the Wales brothers and their wives, the idea of cutting the apron strings from the colonial motherland becomes a tougher call. —Juliet Rieden, Town & Country, 1 Nov. 2018

Hold on to your apron strings, though, the bidding doesn’t begin until May 19. —Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit, 26 Apr. 2018

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Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined above