loosen the apron strings
To allow greater freedom (to someone); to relax control of (someone).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Parents must eventually loosen the apron strings as their children grow up.”
“She realized she needed to loosen the apron strings and let her teenager travel with friends for the summer.”
“Although it was difficult to watch her daughter make mistakes, the mother knew it was time to loosen the apron strings and trust her to navigate life independently.”
- 01
another string to one's bow
Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.
- 02
apron string
A symbol of the domestic ties binding a male to a female (as a husband to a wife or a son to a mother).
- 03
harp on one string
To dwell on a single subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence.
- 04
harp on the same string
To repeatedly say the same thing.
- 05
hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
- 06
loosen someone's lips
To cause one to speak more freely; to cause one to discuss a subject that would not usually be discussed.
- 07
loosen someone's tongue
To cause one to speak more freely; to cause one to discuss a subject that would not usually be discussed.
- 08
loosen the purse strings
To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.
Last updated August 10, 2026