How Do You Spell KEEPING UNDER THUMB?

1. "Keeping under thumb" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of having complete control or dominance over someone, typically in a manipulative or domineering manner. The phrase implies that the person being controlled is figuratively kept subordinate, suppressed, or submissive, just like a thumb is securely held beneath a firm grip.

   When someone is said to be kept under thumb, it suggests that they are constantly monitored, restricted, and manipulated, preventing them from making autonomous decisions or asserting their independence. The person exerting control may hold power over others through intimidation, emotional manipulation, coercion, or other means. This expression is often employed in the context of an unequal power dynamic, such as an authoritative figure exerting influence over a subordinate, a controlling partner in a relationship, or a strict parent over a child.

   Furthermore, keeping someone under thumb implies not only a state of control but also a constant monitoring and vigilance over the person's actions, limiting their freedom and impeding their self-expression. The phrase conveys the idea that the person being controlled is almost entirely rendered powerless and subject to the will of the dominating party. In essence, keeping someone under thumb describes a situation in which control is maintained through psychological or emotional manipulation, creating an atmosphere that restricts the individual's agency and autonomy.

Common Misspellings for KEEPING UNDER THUMB