Definition

1. Noun:

   • A long, narrow strap attached to a bridle, used to control a horse: Typically, a pair of reins are held by a rider or driver to guide and direct a horse.
   • A means of control, guidance, or restraint: Used figuratively to describe something that controls, directs, or limits actions or freedom.

2. Verb:

   • To check, control, or restrain: To use reins to control a horse; or, figuratively, to control or limit something.
   • To stop or slow down a horse by pulling on the reins: The specific action of applying pressure on the reins to reduce speed or halt.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She held the reins loosely as the horse trotted.
  • The new manager took up the reins of the project immediately.
  • He keeps a tight rein on the household budget.

• Verb:

  • You must learn to rein in your enthusiasm during negotiations.
  • The rider reined her horse to a stop at the edge of the cliff.
  • It's difficult to rein a spirited young horse.

Advanced Usage

• "to give (free) rein to": To allow complete freedom to; to not restrain.
  • The artist was given free rein to design the new sculpture.
• "to keep a tight rein on": To control very strictly.
  • The director keeps a tight rein on all production costs.
• "to assume/take up the reins": To take control or leadership of something.
  • She assumed the reins of power after the election.

Variants and Related Words

• Reinless (adj): Without reins; uncontrolled.
  • The reinless horse galloped across the field.
• Rein in (phrasal verb): To restrain or control.
  • The government tried to rein in public spending.

Synonyms

• Control (n/v): The power to influence or direct.
• Restrain (v): To prevent from doing something; to keep under control.
• Curb (v): To restrain or keep in check.
• Check (n/v): A stopping or slowing of progress; to halt or restrain.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Rein in: To start controlling something more strictly.
  • He had to rein in his anger during the meeting.
• Rein up: To bring a horse to a stop by pulling on the reins.
  • The cowboy reined up at the saloon door.

Related Idioms

• Hold the reins: To be in control or in charge.
  • While the CEO is away, her deputy will hold the reins.
• Drop the reins: To relinquish control or give up leadership.
  • After decades of service, the founder finally dropped the reins of the company.

Noun

1. any means of control
   • he took up the reins of government
2. one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse

Verb

1. keep in check
   • rule one's temper
2. stop or check by or as if by a pull at the reins
   • He reined in his horses in front of the post office
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
4. control and direct with or as if by reins
   • rein a horse