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Phrase(s): lead someone by the nose
1. Fig. to force someone to go somewhere (with you); to lead someone by coercion. • John had to lead Tom by the nose to get him to the opera. • I’ll go, but you’ll have to lead me by the nose. 2. Fig. to guide someone very carefully and slowly. (As if the person were not very smart.) • He will never find his way through the tax form unless you lead him by the nose. • Don’t lead me by the nose! I’m coming!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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Dominate or control someone, as in ‘‘The Moor . . . will tenderly be led by the nose as asses are" (Shakespeare, Othello, 1:3). This expression alludes to an animal being led by a ring passed through its nostrils. [Late 1500s]
American Heritage Idioms