rein
2 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
reins
plural
reins
Britannica Dictionary definition of REIN
[count]
1
:
a strap that is fastened to a device (called a bridle) placed on the head of an animal (such as a horse) and that is used to guide and control the animal
— usually plural
—
see picture at horse
-
The rider pulled on the reins to stop his horse.
2
a
:
the ability to limit or control something
-
We need to keep a rein on our spending. [=we need to limit/control our spending]
-
He has people working for him, but he has/keeps a tight rein on every part of the process.
b
:
the power to guide or control someone or something
— usually plural
-
They held the reins of government/power. [=they controlled the government]
-
She handed the reins of the company to her successor. = She handed over the reins of the company to her successor.
-
The President-elect will officially take the reins [=take control] in January.
free/full rein
:
the opportunity to act freely
-
The studio gave the director free rein [=complete control] over the movie.
-
Give full rein to your imagination.
2
rein
/ˈreɪn/
verb
reins;
reined;
reining
2
rein
/ˈreɪn/
verb
reins;
reined;
reining
Britannica Dictionary definition of REIN
rein in
[phrasal verb]
1
rein (someone or something) in
or
rein in (someone or something)
:
to limit or control (someone or something)
-
Congress must rein in spending.
-
You had better rein that kid in before she gets hurt.
2
:
to make (an animal) stop by using reins
-
The rider reined in his horse.
