IdiomAnimals
German
Germanbei der Stange halten
Meaning: to keep someone obedient, loyal, or in line through discipline or pressure.
Literally: To hold by the rod
Example: “Der Trainer hält die Mannschaft mit klaren Regeln bei der Stange.” — The coach keeps the team on a short leash with clear rules.
English equivalent: To keep someone on a short leash
Equivalents in other languages
English: keep someone on a short leash
Origin: Probably from the flagpole (Fahnenstange) that carried a regiment's colors and served soldiers as a rallying point in battle. Keeping someone at the pole is keeping them with the group and committed to the cause; Redensarten-Index gives this explanation as likely rather than certain.
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