I keep my dog on a tight leash so it won't bother people.
2. Fig. under very careful control. •My father keeps my brother on a tight leash.
•We can't do much around here. The boss has us all on a tight leash.
3. Sl. addicted to some drug. •Wilbur is on a tight leash. He has to have the stuff regularly.
•Gert is kept on a tight leash by her habit.
Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
on a tight leash — 1. mod. under very careful control. □ My father keeps my brother on a tight leash. □ We can’t do much around here. The boss has us all on a tight leash. 2. mod. addicted to some drug. □ Bart is on a tight leash. He has to have the stuff regularly … Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions
keep someone on a tight leash — keep (someone) on a tight leash to allow someone very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn t go out with the guys much now that his girlfriend is around to keep him on a tight leash. Usage notes: sometimes used with have: The police will … New idioms dictionary
keep on a tight leash — keep (someone) on a tight leash to allow someone very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn t go out with the guys much now that his girlfriend is around to keep him on a tight leash. Usage notes: sometimes used with have: The police will … New idioms dictionary
have (someone) on a tight leash — have/keep (someone) on a short/tight leash to have a lot of control over someone s behaviour and allow them very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn t go out with the lads so much these days. Michelle keeps him on a tight leash … New idioms dictionary
keep (someone) on a tight leash — have/keep (someone) on a short/tight leash to have a lot of control over someone s behaviour and allow them very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn t go out with the lads so much these days. Michelle keeps him on a tight leash … New idioms dictionary
(a) tight leash — a short/tight/leash phrase under strict control Her parents keep her on quite a short leash. Thesaurus: limited and limitingsynonym Main entry … Useful english dictionary
leash — [ liʃ ] noun count a long thin piece of material attached to a dog s collar so that it can be controlled in a public place: All dogs must be kept on a leash while on the beaches. a short/tight leash under strict control: Her parents keep her on a … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
leash — /leesh/, n. 1. a chain, strap, etc., for controlling or leading a dog or other animal; lead. 2. check; curb; restraint: to keep one s temper in leash; a tight leash on one s subordinates. 3. Hunting. a brace and a half, as of foxes or hounds. v.t … Universalium
leash — 1 noun (C) especially AmE 1 a piece of rope, leather etc fastened to a dog s collar in order to control it; lead 2 (7) BrE: be on leash: All dogs must be on a leash by order of the Parks Department. 2 have sb on a leash humorous to be able to… … Longman dictionary of contemporary English
leash — UK [liːʃ] / US [lɪʃ] noun [countable] Word forms leash : singular leash plural leashes mainly American a lead for a dog • a short/tight leash under strict control Her parents keep her on quite a short leash. strain at the leash … English dictionary
leash — noun Etymology: Middle English lees, leshe, from Anglo French *lesche, lesse, probably from lesser to leave, let go Date: 14th century 1. a. a line for leading or restraining an animal b. something that restrains ; the state of being restrained … New Collegiate Dictionary
