reins Definition
- 1a long, narrow strap attached at one end to a horse's bit, typically used in pairs to guide or check a horse while riding or driving
- 2the power to direct and control something
Using reins: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "reins" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He took the reins of the company after his father retired.
Example
She gave the horse a gentle tug on the reins.
Example
The government has tightened the reins on spending.
Example
The coach handed over the reins to his assistant.
reins Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with reins
Example
The new manager gave her employees free rein to experiment with new ideas.
Example
The boss had to shorten the reins when the project started to fall behind schedule.
Example
The new CEO is ready to take the reins and lead the company to success.
Origins of reins
from Old English 'regeran', meaning 'to guide or direct'
Summary: reins in Brief
'Reins' [reɪnz] are long, narrow straps attached to a horse's bit, used to guide or check the horse while riding or driving. It also refers to the power to direct and control something, as in 'The coach handed over the reins to his assistant.' The phrase 'free rein' denotes unrestricted liberty, while 'shorten the reins' means to take firmer control, and 'take the reins' means to take control of a situation.
