lead by the nose

Dominate or control someone, as in "The Moor ... will tenderly be led by the nose as asses are" (Shakespeare, Othello, 1:3). This expression alludes to an animal being led by a ring passed through its nostrils. [Late 1500s]

The verb has one meaning:

Meaning #1: conceal one's true motives from esp. by elaborately feigning good intentions so as to gain an end
  Synonyms: bamboozle, snow, hoodwink, pull the wool over someone's eyes, play false