Question

Tied to Someone's Apron Strings to be dependent on someone, such as one's mother; to not be able to do anything without asking your mother

Accepted Answer

You can't be tied to your mother's apron strings all your life. Years ago many women stayed home to work and care for the children and house. To keep their clothes clean, they wore aprons tied in the back with strings. If a grown man was controlled by his mother, it was often said that he was "tied to his mother's apron strings." Later, if he was under the strong influence of his wife, he was tied to her apron strings.

Idiom	Tied to Someone's Apron Strings
Example	You can't be tied to your mother's apron strings all your life.
Meaning	to be dependent on someone, such as one's mother; to not be able to do anything without asking your mother
Origin	Years ago many women stayed home to work and care for the children and house. To keep their clothes clean, they wore aprons tied in the back with strings. If a grown man was controlled by his mother, it was often said that he was "tied to his mother's apron strings." Later, if he was under the strong influence of his wife, he was tied to her apron strings.

Tied Apron Strings Mother's Someone's Life Dependent One's