Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To stop or slow down a horse by pulling back on the reins.
   • To control, limit, or restrain something or someone.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To stop or slow oneself or one's horse by pulling back on the reins.

Usage

The verb "rein in" is used to describe the act of applying control to slow down or stop movement, whether literal (with a horse) or figurative (with spending, emotions, or behavior). It implies a deliberate, restraining action.

Examples

• Transitive Verb (Literal):

  • The rider had to rein in the nervous horse.
  • She reined in her mount as they approached the cliff.

• Transitive Verb (Figurative):

  • The government is trying to rein in public spending.
  • You need to rein in your temper during negotiations.

• Intransitive Verb:

  • The carriage driver reined in at the city gates.
  • We saw the horsemen rein in and dismount.

Advanced Usage

• "to rein in on something": To impose controls or limits on a specific activity.
  • The company is reining in on unnecessary travel expenses.

Variants and Related Words

• Rein (noun): A long, narrow strap attached to a bit used to guide or check a horse.
  • He took up the reins and urged the horse forward.
• Rein (verb): Often used with "in," "back," or "up" to mean control or check.
  • It's time to rein back our ambitions slightly.

Synonyms

• Curb: To restrain or keep in check.
• Check: To stop or slow the progress of.
• Restrain: To prevent from doing something; to keep under control.
• Hold back: To stop something from progressing or advancing.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rein back: Similar to "rein in," meaning to restrain or control.
  • They decided to rein back the project's scope.
• Rein up: To bring a horse to a stop by pulling the reins.
  • He reined up suddenly when he saw the tree across the path.

Related Idioms

• Keep a tight rein on: To control someone or something very strictly.
  • The manager keeps a tight rein on the department's budget.
• Give free rein to: To allow complete freedom to someone or something.
  • The artist was given free rein to design the new sculpture.

Verb

1. stop or check by or as if by a pull at the reins
   • He reined in his horses in front of the post office
2. control and direct with or as if by reins
   • rein a horse
3. stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins
   • They reined in in front of the post office