under the thumb

USAGE SUMMARY

"under the thumb" is a phrase used in written English.
Generally it is used as an idiom to express the idea of someone feeling controlled and dominated by another person. For example: "I felt like I was living under the thumb of my parents - they made all the decisions and I had no independence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're already under the thumb.

Cornell University

Najib is seen to be under the thumb of Mahathir.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have been under the thumb of a single party".

The New York Times

"Producers are under the thumb of these companies," she says.

The Guardian - Music

Under the thumb A falconer will hold the bird's rope under the thumb to prevent it from flying away.

The Guardian

Newspapers and television are under the thumb of government.

The Economist

By his own admission, he doesn't work well under the thumb of insensitive overseers.

The Guardian - Film

He was a 6ft 4in rugby player who was completely under the thumb.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As it is, the button sits neatly under the thumb or index finger.

The Guardian - Tech

The legal system rests under the thumb of Beijing; public discussion is largely curated by censors.

The New Yorker

To many Muslims, it seemed that Kashmir had fallen under the thumb of the infidel.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under the thumb" when you want to express that someone is being controlled or dominated by another person or entity. It's an idiomatic way to convey a lack of autonomy.

Common error

Avoid using "under the thumb" when describing situations where influence is present but not absolute control. The phrase implies a significant level of dominance, so ensure the context warrants this strong depiction.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "under the thumb" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being controlled or dominated. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in various contexts, highlighting its role in depicting a lack of autonomy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

HuffPost

3%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under the thumb" is a common idiom used to describe a state of being controlled or dominated by another entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of autonomy and potential oppression. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the context, as more formal settings might benefit from less idiomatic alternatives. Ludwig's examples provide a wide range of applications, allowing for a deeper understanding of its usage and implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominated by

Focuses on the act of being controlled, highlighting the dominance of the controlling entity.

controlled by

Emphasizes the aspect of being managed and directed by another person or entity.

subject to someone's will

Highlights the lack of autonomy and the necessity of adhering to another's desires.

at someone's mercy

Implies vulnerability and dependence on the kindness or decisions of another.

in someone's power

Stresses the authority and influence that another person wields over the subject.

subservient to

Highlights a subordinate role, indicating obedience and compliance to another's demands.

beholden to

Suggests a sense of obligation or indebtedness, leading to a lack of freedom.

led by the nose

Conveys the idea of being easily manipulated or controlled, often unknowingly.

on a short leash

Indicates strict control and limited freedom of movement or action.

henpecked

Specifically refers to a man who is dominated by his wife.

FAQs

What does "under the thumb" mean?

The phrase "under the thumb" means being controlled or dominated by someone else. It suggests a lack of independence or autonomy.

How can I use "under the thumb" in a sentence?

You can use "under the thumb" to describe situations where someone is heavily influenced or controlled by another person. For example: "The company was "dominated by" its CEO, with employees feeling completely under his thumb."

What are some alternatives to saying "under the thumb"?

Alternatives include "controlled by", "dominated by", or "subject to someone's will" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "under the thumb" in formal writing?

While "under the thumb" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct and less idiomatic phrases like "controlled by" or "subject to authority".