Idioms & Phrases – Choose the option that best explains the meaning. Sentence: He never liked the idea of keeping his wife “under his thumb,” and so he let her do what she liked.

Introduction / Context:
“Under one’s thumb” is an idiom meaning under someone’s control or dominance, often in an undue or oppressive way. The sentence rejects that controlling stance, showing approval for autonomy. We must pick the option that focuses on domination rather than physical placement or extreme tyranny alone.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: “under his thumb.”
• Context: marital control versus freedom.
• Sense: undue domination or control.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase is figurative; it does not mean literal physical pressure or location. “Unduly under control” captures the idiomatic essence without exaggerating into “tyrannical conditions,” which could be stronger than intended. The context points to everyday autonomy rather than extreme oppression.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “keeping his wife unduly under control.” This aligns with idiomatic meaning and the sentence’s ethical stance.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pressed down / Below his thumb: Literal, not idiomatic.
• Under tyrannical conditions.: Too extreme relative to typical everyday usage.

Common Pitfalls:
Taking the image literally or overstating the severity. Idioms often signal degree and nuance specific to context.

Final Answer:
Unduly under control