apron string noun
plural ∼ strings [count] : either one of a pair of strings that are attached to an apron and are used to keep it close to your body — usually used figuratively ▪ At 38 years old, he's still tied to his mother's apron strings. [=he is still controlled by his mother] ▪ The company has relied on government support, but the government is now threatening to cut the apron strings. [=to stop providing support]
