on a string
prep_phraseEtymology Imagery of a puppeteer manipulating a marionette by its strings. Compare pull the strings.
1
Under one's control or influence.
- The magician had the audience on a string with his fascinating illusions.
- You've only got my heart on a string and everything a-flutter1984, “No More Lonely Nights”, performed by Paul McCartney:
2
Dated In a state of great anxiety.