Definition & Meaning of "lead somebody (around) by the nose"in English

What is the origin of the idiom "lead someone by the nose" and when to use it?

The idiom "lead someone by the nose" has origins in the image of physically guiding or controlling someone as if they were angry animal. The phrase plays on the idea of leading an animal by its nose, as domesticated animals like horses or cattle are often guided by their handlers using a rope or leash attached to their nose or halter. This phrase is used to describe situations where one person is easily controlled, influenced, or manipulated by another, often to their detriment or without them realizing it. It implies that the person being led is not thinking independently or acting in their best interest but is instead being directed by someone else's will.