wrap / twist / wind sb around one's (little) finger

/ɹˈap twˈɪst wˈɪnd ˌɛsbˈiː ɐɹˈaʊnd wˈɒnz lˈɪtəl fˈɪŋɡə/

/ɹˈæp twˈɪst wˈɪnd ˌɛsbˈiː ɐɹˈaʊnd wˈʌnz lˈɪɾəl fˈɪŋɡɚ/

[phrase]

to wrap / twist / wind sb around one's (little) finger

[PHRASE]

to manage to convince someone to do whatever one asks of them out of love or respect that they have for one

What is the origin of the idiom "wrap someone around one's finger" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "wrap someone around one's finger" is not precisely known. However, it is likely derived from the action of physically manipulating string or thread around one's finger. The act of wrapping, twisting, or winding something around the finger implies control and manipulation. It is commonly used in discussions about interpersonal relationships, particularly those involving charm, persuasion, or manipulation.

Examples

1. He had seen more and more that this wasn't something that was a choice, this was just a part of who our daughter was, and he was now supporting, and frankly, she wraps him around her little finger.

2. So those little tails, I like to twist them around my finger so that they're all together and then just stretch the braid out a little bit to cover the ends and secure it with a few bobby pins.

3. Emancipated up to her black garter, she could wrap politicians around her finger and influential military officers ate out of the palm of her manicured hand.

4. So really quickly, just curl these strands, I'm going to just heat them with the straightener and then just wrap them around my finger and let it cool.