VOA慢速英语 短语学习On a Short Leash

　　On a Short Leash: He Had Firm Control Over His Workers

　　短语学习On a Short Leash

　　I'm Susan Clark with the Special English program, WORDS AND THEIR STORIES.

　　(MUSIC)

　　Susan Cleveland is the young president of a candy company in the city of Chicago. Her father began the company in the nineteen sixties. He died three years ago. Now, the company belongs to Susan.

　　Many of her father's employees were concerned when Susan took control. Susan's father had worked many years for other candy companies before starting this one. He had known a great deal about business.

　　Susan, however, did not have any jobs before becoming head of the company. She just finished college.

　　The employees became even more concerned during Susan's first months on the job. Mr. Cleveland had been a strong leader. But Susan permitted many employees to make their own decisions.

　　One employee said: "Old Mister Cleveland always told us what to do. He kept people on a short leash. But the company did well."

　　What does "a short leash" mean?

　　A leash is a kind of rope. We use a leash to walk our pet dogs. The leash keeps the dog from running away or getting into trouble.