rein
rein / rān/ • n. (usu. reins) a 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. ∎ fig. the power to direct and control: management is criticized for its unwillingness to let go of the reins of an organization and delegate routine tasks.• v. [tr.] cause (a horse) to stop or slow down by pulling on its reins: he reined in his horse and waited for her. ∎ cause (a horse) to change direction by pulling on its reins: he reined the mare's head about and rode off. ∎ keep under control; restrain: with an effort, she reined back her impatience critics noted the failure of the administration to rein in public spending.PHRASES: draw rein stop one's horse. (a) free rein freedom of action or expression: he was given free rein to work out his designs.keep a tight rein on exercise strict control over; allow little freedom to: her only chance of survival was to keep a tight rein on her feelings and words.ORIGIN: Middle English: from Old French rene, based on Latin retinere ‘retain.’