keep a tight grip on (someone or something)

keep a tight grip on (someone or something)

To maintain strict or tight control over someone or something; to not allow someone or something very much independence or autonomy. Ever since George lost most of their life savings in a drunken poker match, Dana has started keeping a tight grip on the family finances. The boss has kept a tight grip on her assistant ever since she first hired him.See also: grip, keep, on, tight