wrap around one’s little finger: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘wrap around one's little finger’ mean?
The idiom "wrap around one's little finger" means to have complete control or influence over someone, manipulating them effortlessly to do what you want.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "whip hand" means having control or advantage over a situation or person. It refers to being in a position of power or authority.
The idiom "under one's thumb" means to be controlled or dominated by someone, usually in a relationship or a situation where one person has significant influence or power over another.
The idiom "under one's thumb" has a clear and specific meaning that can be easily understood. It is used to describe a situation where someone has complete control or dominance over another person or situation.
The idiom "tie someone's hands" means to restrict or limit someone's ability to take action or make decisions, usually by imposing rules or regulations that inhibit their freedom to act.
The idiom "putty in someone's hands" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, easily manipulated or influenced by that person.
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 "play someone like a fiddle" means to manipulate or control someone skillfully, often for personal gain or amusement.
The idiom "play someone like a fiddle" is commonly used to describe the act of manipulating or deceiving someone. It compares the action to playing a fiddle, a skill that requires control and precision. This idiom is just one example of the many idioms we use in the English language to describe human behavior.
The idiom "make one's hand" means to gain control or influence over a situation or to establish oneself as a dominant force.
The idiom "in someone's pocket" means to be under someone's control or influence.
The idiom "in one's pocket" means having control or influence over someone or something.
The idiom "in one's pocket" is a commonly used expression in English that signifies having complete control, influence, or mastery over someone or something. It is frequently used figuratively to describe a situation where a person has an individual or a situation under their full authority or power.
The idiom "in one's hip pocket" means to have someone under complete control or influence. It suggests that the person is easily manipulated or controlled, like an object kept in one's back pocket.
Puppeteer's Power
Idioms are expressions that have a distinct figurative meaning that is different from the literal interpretation of the words used. One such idiom is "wrap around one's little finger." This idiom is quite popular and has been in use for many years. It is often used to describe the act of having complete control or influence over someone, especially in a manipulative or cunning manner.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 19th century. The phrase "wrap someone around one's finger" was first recorded in print in 1828, and it is believed to have originated from the practice of using a string to manipulate a puppet or marionette. The puppeteer would wrap the string around their finger to control the movements of the puppet. Over time, this metaphorical image of control became associated with the idiom.
The idiom "wrap around one's little finger" gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It became commonly used in various English-speaking countries, including the United States. The phrase "little finger" in this idiom is often used to express the idea of manipulating or controlling someone easily, as the little finger is one of the smallest and weakest fingers.
The figurative meaning of this idiom is clear - it denotes having such influence or control over someone that they are easily manipulated or persuaded. When someone is said to have wrapped another person around their little finger, it suggests that they have successfully manipulated them to do their bidding or act in a certain way, even against their better judgment. This idiom is often used in a negative context, implying that the person being controlled is gullible, naive, or vulnerable to manipulation. It may also convey a sense of power or dominance on the part of the person who has someone wrapped around their little finger.
While the idiom is well-understood and widely used, it does leave room for interpretation and further exploration. For instance, one could delve into the psychological aspects of manipulation and control, examining why some individuals are more susceptible to being wrapped around someone's little finger than others.
In a society where persuasion and influence play critical roles, it is essential to analyze the implications of idioms such as "wrap around one's little finger." This exploration allows us to better understand human behavior, decision-making, and the dynamics of power. Despite its clear meaning and widespread usage, this idiom invites us to explore the complexities of influence and control and the potentially lasting consequences.
The idiom "wrap around one's little finger" is related to the idiom "under one's thumb." When someone has another person wrapped around their little finger, it implies that they have complete control over them. Similarly, when someone has someone else under their thumb, it suggests that they have complete control or dominance over them. Both of these idioms highlight the power dynamics between individuals and the influence one person can have over another.
The idiom "wrap around one's little finger" is also related to the idiom "in one's pocket." When someone is said to have someone else wrapped around their little finger, it implies that they have them completely under their control or influence. Similarly, when someone has someone else in their pocket, it suggests that they have complete control or influence over them. Both of these idioms emphasize the idea of control or dominance and the ease with which one person can manipulate another.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *wrap around one's little finger* can be used in a sentence:
- She is so charming that she can wrap anyone around her little finger.
- Despite his tough exterior, she was able to wrap him around her little finger with just a smile.
- He was completely wrapped around her little finger and would do anything she asked.
The phrase *wrap around one's little finger* is often used to describe someone having complete control or influence over another person. It implies that the person being controlled is easily manipulated or persuaded by the other person's will or desires. The idiom suggests a strong level of influence or power that the person has over the other, similar to how a wrap around a finger tightly controls its movements.
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