【明報專訊】Some people clip the feathers on the wings of their caged birds so they can't fly if they get loose. The practice has given us this expression, which means to restrict someone's activity, influence or power. "Penelope's grades weren't at all good so her mother has clipped her wings and ordered her to spend more time studying." "I may have to clip the wings of some board members so they don't spend so much on entertainment and travel," the chairman said.