under my thumb 

The case in which a male dominates his female partner.

Made popular in the late sixties by the Rolling Stones.

That bitch does what shes told...I got her under my thumb

under my thumb by James... July 26, 2004

under my thumb 

An early american law allowed a husband to whip his wife with whatever he chose, as long as it's thickness was smaller than that of his thumb.

I keep a tight hold on my wife, she is under my thumb.

under my thumb by Alison Adams September 15, 2006