The Village Idiom

putty in someone's hands

The idiom "putty in someone's hands" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, easily manipulated or influenced by that person.

Filed under P

In a sentence

  • She was putty in his hands, allowing him to convince her to do whatever he wanted.
  • The salesman was skilled at making customers feel like putty in his hands, easily persuading them to buy his products.
  • Knowing her vulnerability, he manipulated her emotions and easily molded her like putty in his hands.

Where it comes from and how it is used

A well-known idiom, 'putty in someone's hands' describes a person who is easily influenced or controlled by someone else. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the early 19th century. The figurative meaning of the idiom has remained consistent over time.

The idiom 'putty in someone's hands' draws on the concept of putty, a malleable material used for filling gaps or sculpting. The use of putty emphasizes the idea of being easily shaped. When someone is described as being 'putty in someone's hands,' it suggests that they can be molded or controlled effortlessly, just like the material itself.

The idiom's popularity has continued to grow, being frequently used in both written and spoken English. It has become a staple in conversations, particularly when discussing relationships or power dynamics.

Interestingly, the idiom 'putty in someone's hands' is related to other idioms that convey a similar concept. For instance, the expression 'puppet on a string' also shares the idea of someone being controlled or manipulated by another person. These idioms convey a sense of vulnerability and subservience.

While 'putty in someone's hands' is a vivid and evocative idiom, it is important to recognize that its usage can also carry a negative connotation. Being described as putty implies a lack of autonomy or agency, suggesting a person's vulnerability to manipulation.

Despite its negative undertones, the idiom remains a useful way to describe situations or individuals who are easily swayed or controlled. In an ever-changing world where power dynamics constantly come into play, the idiom 'putty in someone's hands' serves as a cautionary reminder and a means of articulating the complexities of human relationships.

'On someone's hands' is another idiom related to being 'putty in someone's hands.' This phrase refers to a responsibility or burden that one person has to deal with. It can also suggest that someone is under someone else's control or influence, much like being 'putty in someone's hands.'

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.