Lead somebody by the nose
phrase
To control or influence a person completely.
She's always led her husband by the nose and he has no say in anything.
Often appears as...
- lead her husband by the nose
- boss leads employees by the nose
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To control or influence a person completely.
She's always led her husband by the nose and he has no say in anything.
Often appears as...
- lead her husband by the nose
- boss leads employees by the nose
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Used to describe situations where one person has significant control over another.
In that company, the boss leads the new interns by the nose.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Carries a negative feeling, suggesting manipulation or unfair influence.
Politicians shouldn't lead voters by the nose with false promises.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use
Not to be taken literally; no one is physically pulling another's nose.
He's so gullible that anyone could lead him by the nose.
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