have (someone) on a string

idiom

informal
: to be able to make (someone) do anything one wants

Browse Nearby Words

have (someone) in the palm of one's hand
have (someone) on a string
have (someone or something) (all) to oneself
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Cite this Entry

“Have (someone) on a string.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/have%20%28someone%29%20on%20a%20string. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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