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Under One's Thumb

What Does "Under One's Thumb" Mean?

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"Under one's thumb" is an English idiom. It means "controlled or dominated by someone."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "under one's thumb" used in a sentence:
  • He's got the entire department under his thumb.
  • She doesn't make a move without him; she's completely under his thumb.
  • The dictator kept the media under his thumb.
meaning for under one's thumb

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Under One's Thumb" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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