wrapped around one's finger (or little finger)

Image acquired from Wikimedia Commons and used with permission. Image attribution: Mondgruen.

Explanation:

As you can see in the photo there is a finger with a ring on it. Under the diamonds you can see the band of the ring. It's shaped like the letter u. This part of the ring is wrapped around the lady's finger. Now, the lady in this photo can't wrap a person around her finger physically (like the ring), but she can do it mentally.

When someone is wrapped around her finger, it means that this person is under her control. She controls this person's mind, and she can tell him or her what to do and what not to do. My girlfriend thinks that she has me wrapped around her little finger, but I only pretend to be under her control! Wait. I think I hear her calling me. OK, I have to go now!

When someone is wrapped around your little finger, it means that the other person is completely under your control.

Example:

Larry: Hey William! Look at that guy across the street. He's carrying all of his wife's shopping bags from the different clothing stores she's visited. I wish he could see how unmanly he looks!

William: Yeah. He probably does everything she tells him to do. She has him wrapped around her little finger. Guys like that shouldn't call themselves men.

Larry: You're right! "Mice" would be a better word for them!

Just then, Larry's wife (Jane) walks around the corner and sees him talking to William.

Jane: What are you doing here Larry? I told you over an hour ago to go to the supermarket to get the things we need for dinner. Now, I see you here talking to William. Get over to the store right now!

Larry: Yes, dear. Right away sweetheart. I'll go immediately.

Larry quickly walks away.

Jane: As you can see, I have him wrapped around my little finger.

William: Yes, you're right Jane. You're always right.

Jane: Be quiet William.

William: Yes ma'am.

Listening practice link:

A good way to practice your listening skills in English is through songs. If you would like to hear this idiom pronounced for you then check out the song "Wrapped Around Your Finger" by Sting on YouTube. Here are the lyrics to the song in case you want to read them while listening.

Is English your second language? Would you like to learn English from anywhere? If so, you should check out some of the talking dictionaries and translators (aff) from Ectaco.