Wind Around One’s Finger
To “wind around one’s finger” means to have utmost control or influence over someone, often in a charming or persuasive manner. Think of it as having the ability to wrap people up in your charisma and twist them to your liking. Parents, especially, wish they had this superpower over their teenagers!
Similar Terms
- Twist Around One’s Finger: Another way of saying you have someone wrapped in your influence.
- Have Someone in One’s Pocket: To fully control or have a strong influence on a person.
- Pull the Strings: To control someone’s actions or decisions from behind the scenes.
Related Quotes
- 🤹🏻♀️ “True leadership is not about having power over others, but rather about guiding them without them feeling guided.” — Emilio Stardust
- 👠 “He was a smooth talker, winding everyone around his finger like a seasoned politician at a BBQ.” — Anonymous
Literature References
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: The character of George Wickham certainly knows how to wind certain characters around his nimble fingers!
- Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: Scarlett O’Hara is the queen of winding almost everyone around her finger, whenever it suits her.
Cultural Nod
One mustn’t forget the iconic scene from The Devil Wears Prada where Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) skillfully winds her assistant, Andy (Anne Hathaway), around her impeccably polished finger.
Suggested Songs
- “Under My Thumb” by The Rolling Stones: A song about having someone completely under your control.
- “Master of Puppets” by Metallica: An intense track for those who pull the strings.
### True or False: "Wind around one’s finger" means to irritate someone greatly.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! This idiom refers to influencing or controlling someone, not irritating them.
### Which of these expressions DOES NOT mean having control over someone?
- [x] Barking up the wrong tree
- [ ] Pull the strings
- [ ] Have someone in one’s pocket
- [ ] Twist around one’s finger
> **Explanation:** "Barking up the wrong tree" means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course, whereas the other options imply control.
### Select the synonym for “wind around one’s finger.”
- [ ] Hit the nail on the head
- [ ] Bite the bullet
- [x] Have someone in one’s pocket
- [ ] Let the cat out of the bag
> **Explanation:** "Have someone in one’s pocket" is a synonym meaning you have a strong influence or control over someone.
### True or False: Politicians often wind the public around their finger.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Sadly, this can be true—politicians are often adept at persuading and influencing their audiences.
Remember, as you navigate the twists and turns of persuasion, may you always wind others around your finger for good and noble causes. Until the next idiom adventure, let your words be your superpower! 💬💪
— W. T. Wittywords, 2023-10-01
