Crosswords2 mins ago
saying
4 Answers
under the thumb
Answers
Best Answer
No best answer has yet been selected by steve1. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.
For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.'Under the thumb' has been used to mean 'in the control of' since the 1700s. I imagine it came about because people would use a thumb to stop papers/banknotes etc from being dislodged/blown off a desk or counter. Since then, it has taken on the meaning of controlling other people, especially if it refers to a husband whose wife controls him!