- Meaning
- This idiom describes being completely controlled, dominated, or influenced by someone else, as if held firmly under their thumb like a small object. It conveys a state of subjugation or powerlessness, often used in personal, workplace, or social contexts to depict an imbalance of power. The phrase carries a tone of oppression, resignation, or critique, reflecting cultural values of autonomy and the human tendency to exploit or submit to authority. Its physical imagery evokes a sense of being trapped or diminished, resonating in scenarios like overbearing relationships or authoritarian leadership. The idiom highlights the dynamics of control and resistance, making it a striking metaphor for situations of dominance and compliance.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 18th-century Britain, likely tied to physical gestures of authority, where pressing a thumb symbolized control, as in wrestling or discipline. Its earliest recorded use appears in Samuel Johnson’s *A Dictionary of the English Language* (1755), noting ‘under the thumb’ as a colloquial term for subjection. The idiom gained traction in 19th-century literature, particularly in Charles Dickens’ *Great Expectations* (1861), where characters are described as under domineering influence. Its spread was amplified in the 20th century through political and social commentary, notably in British newspapers discussing labor or gender dynamics. Its adoption across English-speaking cultures, especially in the U.K., U.S., and Australia, stems from its vivid imagery and universal applicability to power imbalances, from domestic life to corporate hierarchies.
- Variants
-
- Under someone’s thumb
- Under the thumb of
- Kept under the thumb
- Examples
-
- He’s completely under the thumb of his overbearing manager.
- Under someone’s thumb, she felt unable to make her own decisions.
- The team was kept under the thumb of a controlling coach.
- She’s under the thumb of her parents, even as an adult.
- Under the thumb of the CEO, the board rarely challenged his decisions.
|