He is putty in her hands whenever she smiles at him.
putty in someone's hands
idiomOne who is readily manipulated or controlled by another person; a puppet.
Origin
first recorded 19th c.A metaphor likening the easy malleability of putty to the easy manipulability of the person. First use appears c. 1867.
The charming salesman knew the customer was putty in his hands once he offered a discount.
Despite his reputation for being a stern and unyielding leader, he became mere putty in his young daughter's hands whenever she asked for a favor.
- 01
another nail in someone's coffin
An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.
- 02
answer someone's prayers
To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 03
answer to someone's prayers
Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.
- 04
apple of someone's eye
The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.
- 05
bane of someone's existence
Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.
- 06
bash someone's face in
To beat someone violently.
- 07
bash someone's head
To beat up someone violently.
- 08
be someone's to lose
To be anticipated to be won by someone.
Last updated July 12, 2026