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  What it means

  Literally “to walk as if on a string,” this idiom means to be completely controlled by someone else — to follow their commands without question, like a puppet on a string. It describes a person who has no independence in a relationship, blindly obeys orders, or is manipulated by another. Example: “On chodzi jak na sznurku za swoją szefową” (He follows his boss around like a puppet on a string).

  Vocabulary

  • chodzić — to walk, to go (habitually) (imperfective verb)
  • jak — as if, like (comparative particle)
  • na sznurku — on a string ('na' + locative of 'sznurek')
  • sznurek — string, cord (masculine noun; diminutive of 'sznur')

  Grammar note

  The construction "jak na + locative" creates a comparison. "Sznurku" is the locative singular of "sznurek" — a diminutive masculine noun, declining with -u in the locative (standard for many masculine nouns ending in a consonant). The imperfective "chodzić" signals habitual behavior. The idiom typically appears with a third-person subject and may be followed by "za + instrumental" (behind/after someone): "chodzić jak na sznurku za kimś."

  Cultural context

  The expression carries a mildly negative connotation, implying a lack of autonomy or personal will. It is used for someone in an excessively submissive relationship — a partner under a dominant spouse's thumb, an obedient employee, or a child who never disobeys. The register is informal. English equivalents include "to be on a leash," "to be under someone's thumb," or "to be someone's puppet."

  Beginner

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