Definition

1. Noun:

   • A restraint for an animal: A leash is a rope, cord, or strap, often with a clip, used to control or lead a dog or other animal.
   • A figurative restraint or control: Leash can refer to something that holds something else in check, such as control over emotions or activities.
   • A set of three: In hunting, a leash can refer to a group of three animals, especially hounds, foxes, or hares.

2. Verb:

   • To fasten or control with a leash: The action of attaching a leash to an animal or, figuratively, imposing control on something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Please put the dog on a leash before our walk.
  • The manager kept a tight leash on the project's budget.
  • He saw a leash of foxes cross the field.

• Verb:

  • You must leash your dog in this park.
  • It's difficult to leash his enthusiasm once he starts talking.

Advanced Usage

• "to have/hold on a (tight/short/long) leash": To control someone or something very closely or with varying degrees of freedom.
  • The new CEO held the department on a very short leash.
• "to slip the leash": To escape from control or restraint.
  • The company's spending has slipped the leash of prudent management.

Variants and Related Words

• Lead (n, chiefly UK): A synonym for a dog's leash.
  • She bought a new lead for her puppy.
• Tether (n/v): A rope or chain used to tie an animal to a spot, restricting its range more than a leash.
  • The goat was on a tether near the barn.

Synonyms

• Restraint (n): Something that restricts or controls.
• Curb (n/v): A check or restraint on something.
• Rein (n, often plural): A long, narrow strap attached to a bit to control a horse; used figuratively like "leash".

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Leash" is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The concept is typically expressed with prepositions as shown in "Advanced Usage.")

Related Idioms

• Strain at the leash: To be very eager to begin or do something.
  • The team is straining at the leash to launch the new product.
• Give someone (a) long leash/rope: To allow someone a great deal of freedom.
  • The professor gave her graduate students a long leash to pursue their research interests.

Noun

1. a figurative restraint
   • asked for a collar on program trading in the stock market
   • kept a tight leash on his emotions
   • he's always gotten a long leash
2. the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
3. restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal

Verb

1. fasten with a rope
   • rope the bag securely