What does “Pull in the reins” mean?

"Pull in the reins" means to regain control or restrain oneself.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He had to pull in the reins and stop himself from saying something he would regret.

Example

After a moment of anger, she took a deep breath and pulled in the reins on her emotions.

Example

The coach had to pull in the reins and remind the team to focus on the game plan

Is “Pull in the reins” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Pull in the reins” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Pull in the reins” effectively in context?

You can use "Pull in the reins" to describe the act of regaining control or restraining oneself in various situations. It emphasizes the need to take a step back, reassess, and regain composure. For example, if someone is about to say something hurtful in an argument, you might say, 'Take a deep breath and pull in the reins before you say something you'll regret.'

1Anger Management
After a moment of anger, she took a deep breath and pulled in the reins on her emotions.
2Self-Control
He had to pull in the reins and stop himself from saying something he would regret.
3Leadership
The coach had to pull in the reins and remind the team to focus on the game plan.

Similar phrases to “Pull in the reins”:

Hold one's horses

To wait or be patient

Example

Hold your horses! Let's think this through before making a decision.

Keep a tight rein

To maintain strict control or supervision

Example

The manager keeps a tight rein on the team to ensure productivity.

Rein oneself in

To control or restrain oneself

Example

He had to rein himself in and not react impulsively to the criticism.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Pull in the reins” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Pull in the reins" can be traced back to horseback riding. When riding a horse, the reins are used to control and guide the horse's movements. Pulling in the reins means to tighten or shorten them, which slows down or stops the horse. The phrase has been figuratively used to mean regaining control or restraining oneself.

Is “Pull in the reins” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Pull in the reins" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the act of regaining control or restraining oneself in various situations.

What tone does “Pull in the reins” have?

"Pull in the reins" conveys a tone of self-discipline and control. It's often used to encourage someone to pause, reflect, and regain composure in order to make better decisions or avoid impulsive actions.

Can “Pull in the reins” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "pull in the reins" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of regaining control or restraining oneself. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She had to pull in the reins and control her temper.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "pull in the reins"!' to imply the need for self-control.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

regain control
restrain oneself
compose oneself
collect oneself
hold back

Antonyms

lose control
let loose
give in to impulses
react impulsively
lose restraint