Lead by the nose Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫɛd/, /ˈɫid/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈnoʊz
LED or LEED BY thuh or thee NOHZ
lɛd/ /bˈaɪ/ /ðə, ði/ /nˈəʊz
LED BY thuh or thee NOHZ
Definition
To control someone completely and make them do exactly what you want, often by manipulation.
Usage & Nuances
This idiom is informal and often used when someone is easily influenced or manipulated, sometimes without realizing it. Common with relationships, business, or politics. Not usually literal—don't use with animals.
Spanish: manejar a alguien como una marioneta - manipularPortuguese (BR): fazer alguém de fantoche - manipularPortuguese (PT): manipular alguém - levar alguém pela mãoChinese (Simplified): 牵着鼻子走 - 操控Chinese (Traditional): 牽著鼻子走 - 操控Hindi: नाक से घुमाना - पूरी तरह नियंत्रण में रखनाArabic: يسير شخصاً كما يشاء - يتحكم بالكاملBengali: নাকে দড়ি দিয়ে টানা - সম্পূর্ণভাবে নিয়ন্ত্রণ করাRussian: водить за носJapanese: 手玉に取る - 思いのままに操るVietnamese: dắt mũiKorean: 코를 끌다 - 마음대로 조종하다Turkish: burnundan tutup sürüklemekUrdu: ناک سے نچاناIndonesian: menarik hidung - mengendalikan sepenuhnya
Example Sentences
He lets his boss lead him by the nose.
basic
She was led by the nose into making a bad decision.
basic
Don't let anyone lead you by the nose.
basic
He does whatever she says—they really lead him by the nose in that family.
natural
It was clear the politician had been led by the nose by his advisors.
natural
She's smart—she won't let anyone lead her by the nose.
natural