# putty in someone's hands

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/putty-in-someones-hands
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One who is readily manipulated or controlled by another person; a puppet.

## Examples

- He is putty in her hands whenever she smiles at him.
- 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.

## Origin

Attested from 1867, the expression draws upon the physical malleability of putty to describe a comparable ease of manipulation in a person. It functions as a straightforward metaphor for the loss of individual resistance.

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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.