be tied to your mother's apron strings

To be controlled or dominated by one's mother. I'm worried that my husband will forever be tied to his mother's apron strings—he's a grown man but still does every little thing she asks! Can you make a decision on your own, or are you tied to your mother's apron strings? I can't believe how much Michael is tied to his mother's apron strings! That's the only explanation for him still living at home at age 40!

If someone is tied to their mother's apron strings, they are still dependent on their mother when they should be independent. A man who is still tied to his mother's apron strings is no use to me.