26984 words

reins

7 definitions • 10 examples
1
a long, thin piece of material, especially leather, that helps you to control and direct a horse:

Examples:

You pull on both reins to stop or slow a horse, but only the left rein to turn left.
2
a strap that is put around a small child's body or wrist and held at the other end by an adult so that the adult can stop the child running away:

Examples:

I always put my son on reins when we go shopping.
3
a long thin piece of material, esp. leather, used to control a horse
4
power and control of a business or other activity:

Examples:

These are the councillors who hold the reins of power.
He handed the reins to his successor.
I am retiring, and someone else can take over the reins.
5
the freedom to do what you want to do:

Examples:

have free rein We were told we had free rein on questions of design.
give sb/sth free rein (to do sth) She was given free rein to make all the changes she wanted.
6
to allow something to happen freely and completely:

Examples:

This is a post which will give your talents full rein.
It's a task that requires you to allow full rein to your imagination.
7
to control something very carefully:

Examples:

We need to keep a tight rein on the advertising budget.

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