# apron-string hold

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/apron-string-hold
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An estate held by a man during his wife's life.

## Examples

- He manages the land under an apron-string hold.
- The lawyer explained that the husband only keeps the property through an apron-string hold while his wife is alive.
- The historical document confirms that the estate was granted as an apron-string hold, ensuring the husband retained control only for the duration of his wife's life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.