keep a rein on
idiom
: to limit or control (something)
We need to keep a rein on our spending.
He keeps a tight rein on every part of the process.
Examples of keep a rein on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As the character struggles and fails to keep a rein on his feelings, McArdle’s emotions fire up the language.
—
David Benedict, Variety, 14 Oct. 2021
The only way to keep a rein on that power is by enforcing the scheme of ethics that has grown up out of Christianity among people of self-governing institutions.
—John Dos Passos, National Review, 28 Sep. 2020
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Benedict, Variety, 14 Oct. 2021
The only way to keep a rein on that power is by enforcing the scheme of ethics that has grown up out of Christianity among people of self-governing institutions.
—John Dos Passos, National Review, 28 Sep. 2020
Dictionary Entries Near keep a rein on
Cite this Entry
“Keep a rein on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20a%20rein%20on. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share