dancing to someone's tune
Following another's commands
To dance to someone's tune is to do what they want, to act according to their wishes or commands.
The image is of a puppet or performer whose movements are controlled by whoever provides the music.
The phrase usually implies subordination or lack of independence: After the merger, the whole department was dancing to the new CEO's tune.
- acquiescenceUnresisting acceptance
- marching ordersDirective to leave
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
- obedienceCompliance with authority
servitude · compliance · toeing the line · falling in line · dominance · submission · blind obedience · manipulation · coercion · dependency · influence · sycophancy · pressure · puppet · command · subjugation · hierarchy · suggestion
dancing to someone's tunecalling the shots
Being the one deciding
doing one's own thing · self-directed · independent · autonomous · going one's own way
dancing to someone's tunecalling the shots
Being the one deciding
pulling the strings · running the show · wearing the pants · holding the reins · laying down the law