Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to clip someone's wings

idiom

/tə klɪp ˈsʌmˌwʌnz wɪŋz/

Definition

To restrict someone’s abilities or freedom.

Examples

After the company downsized, many employees felt that their superiors had clipped their wings.
She wanted to pursue her dreams, but her parents seemed to clip her wings at every turn.

Meaning

This phrase often refers to limiting a person’s potential or curtailing their actions, especially when they are being overly ambitious or taking risks.