dance to a tune

[pitstop]

Hi,

Right now I'm trying to translate a movie sub-title and I need help. In a dialogue that a kid defends his father's political views against his teacher whom he sees as a renegade, he says that his father "wasn't one to dance to any old tune". Is that a saying or not? And if it is, then what does it mean? I would really appreciate your help.

Very nice forum by the way...

[Joe]

It's an idiom. If I dance to your tune I do what you tell me to do. I obey you without thinking.

In this idiom "tune" means music, so if you play waltz music then I will waltz, if you play rock 'n roll music then I will rock 'n roll.

The father preferred to choose his own music, or political affiliation.

[pitstop]

Thank's a lot Joseph, it's been really helpfull.