What does “Clip Someone’s Wings” mean?

"Clip someone's wings" means to restrict or limit someone's freedom or power.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After the scandal, the company decided to clip his wings and demote him.

Example

The new regulations will clip their wings and prevent them from expanding their business.

Example

Her parents were always trying to clip her wings and control her every move

Is “Clip Someone’s Wings” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Clip Someone’s Wings” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Clip Someone’s Wings” effectively in context?

You can use "Clip Someone's Wings" to describe the act of restricting or limiting someone's freedom or power. It implies putting a stop to their actions or ambitions. For example, if a colleague is demoted after a scandal, you might say, 'After the scandal, the company decided to "clip his wings" and demote him.'

1Work
The new regulations will clip their wings and prevent them from expanding their business.
2Personal Life
Her parents were always trying to clip her wings and control her every move.
3Relationships
He felt like his partner was trying to clip his wings and limit his social interactions.

Similar phrases to “Clip Someone’s Wings”:

Put someone in their place

To assert authority over someone and remind them of their position or limitations

Example

After his disrespectful behavior, she put him in his place and reminded him of his role.

Rein someone in

To control or limit someone's actions or behavior

Example

The manager had to rein in the employee's excessive spending habits.

Hold someone back

To prevent someone from progressing or achieving their goals

Example

His fear of failure was holding him back from pursuing his dreams.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Clip Someone’s Wings” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Clip Someone's Wings" is unknown.

Is “Clip Someone’s Wings” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Clip Someone's Wings" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone's freedom or power is restricted or limited.

What tone does “Clip Someone’s Wings” have?

"Clip Someone's Wings" conveys a tone of control and restriction. It is often used to express disapproval or frustration with someone's actions or behavior.

Can “Clip Someone’s Wings” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Clip Someone's Wings" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the act of restricting someone's freedom or power. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The new regulations will clip their wings and prevent them from expanding their business.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "clip their wings"!' to imply the need to restrict someone's actions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

restrict someone's freedom
limit someone's power
constrain someone's actions
curb someone's ambitions
restrain someone's behavior

Antonyms

give someone freedom
empower someone
encourage someone's actions
support someone's ambitions
promote someone's growth