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Region: General | Usage example: His parents clipped his wings after the risky investment.

Clip wings

Meaning

Restrict someone's freedom or ambitions.

Usage

Used when authority limits independence.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Birds with clipped wings cannot fly.

Used since the 19th century to describe curbing freedom.

Related Idioms

Call the bluffs

Challenge someone's false claims or threats.

Go behind someone’s back

Act secretly, especially against someone's trust.

Rain on your parade

Disappoint or spoil someone's good mood or celebration.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.