He who has his thumb on the purse has the power. Otto von Bismarck
And of course we are familiar with the English common law rule of thumb that said a man could in fact use a stick no bigger than his thumb to discipline his wife and family. Patricia Ireland
The Oracle rose. As one, the three witches bowed. "See?" Bran jerked his thumb at the three women. "That's how a woman should treat a man. Next time you see me, I want you to do just like them. Ilona Andrews
The real unlucky one will sprain his thumb when he blows his nose. Polish Proverb
He has him under his thumb. Dutch Proverb
Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of another without putting his thumb on the scale. Paraguayan Proverb