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Phrase(s): on a tight leash
1. Lit. [of an animal] on a leash, held tightly and close to its owner. • 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs