rein

A long strap that you hold to guide or stop a horse or another animal.

• She held a rein in each hand.
• Pull the reins gently to stop the horse.
• The rider dropped one rein.

Common phrases: leather rein, hold a rein, a loose rein

Control of a government, business, or other organization, usually described using the plural form.

• She took the reins last year.
• Who holds the reins of the company?
• He handed over the reins to his daughter.

How to use it: the reins of something (They took the reins of government after the election.)

Similar words: control, leadership

Common phrases: take the reins, hold the reins, reins of power

Something that keeps a person's actions or a situation under control.

• Keep a tight rein on spending.
• She gave her children free rein.
• The rules put a rein on excessive borrowing.

How to use it: keep a rein on something (We need to keep a rein on costs.); give someone free rein (The teacher gave us free rein to choose our topics.)

Similar words: restraint, check

Common phrases: a tight rein, a free rein, rein on spending

To bring actions, feelings, or amounts under control.

• We must rein in costs.
• She reined in her anger.
• The government is trying to rein in borrowing.

How to use it: rein in something / rein something in (He reined his spending in.)

Similar words: restrain, limit, curb

Common phrases: rein in spending, rein something in, rein in costs

To guide, slow, or stop a horse by pulling the straps attached to its head.

• She reined in her horse.
• He reined the pony toward the gate.
• The rider reined back before the jump.

How to use it: rein in a horse (I reined in the horse beside the fence.)

Similar words: check, guide

Common phrases: rein a horse, rein in sharply, rein something back