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  What it means

  Literally “to hold short” or “to keep on a short leash,” this idiom means to keep someone under strict control, to give someone very little freedom or independence. It is most often used about relationships — a partner, parent, or boss who keeps very tight control over another person. The image comes from holding an animal on a short lead so it cannot stray.

  Vocabulary

  • trzymać — to hold, to keep (imperfective)
  • krótko — short, tightly (adverb)
  • trzymać kogoś krótko — to keep someone on a short leash

  Grammar note

  The verb 'trzymać' is imperfective, emphasising the ongoing, habitual nature of the control. 'Krótko' is an adverb modifying the verb. The object of the verb (the person being controlled) appears in the accusative case: 'trzymać kogoś krótko'.

  Cultural context

  This is a common, neutral colloquial expression. It can be used with a tone of disapproval ('ona trzyma go krótko' — she keeps him on a short leash) or sometimes neutrally about strict discipline. The English equivalent is 'to keep someone on a short leash' or 'to rule with an iron fist'.

  Intermediate

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