lead by the nose

== English == === Etymology === The figurative senses are metaphorical extensions from the literal sense of leading a livestock animal by grabbing its nose or nose ring (with the latter hooked to a lead) or by pushing its nose into feed or water to encourage it to eat or drink. === Pronunciation === === Verb === lead by the nose (third-person singular simple present leads by the nose, present participle leading by the nose, simple past and past participle led by the nose) (idiomatic, figurative) To cause to follow blindly. Synonym: lead around by the nose (idiomatic, figurative) To lead by example and painstaking explanation, as one might do for remedial teaching. Coordinate term: spoon-feed ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== lead someone down the garden path red herring