From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishreinrein1 /reɪn/ noun 1 DSH[countable usually plural] a long narrow band of leather that is fastened around a horse’s head in order to control it → bridle2 → give (full/free) rein to something3 → give somebody (a) free rein4 → keep a tight rein on somebody/something5 → take/hand over the reins
Examples from the Corpus
rein• Despite bad moods and worse manners, the car could always be tamed by appreciation, patience and just enough rein.• And the mare, as if finally understanding, begins to strain, tosses her head wildly, pulls at the reins.• He dragged on the reins and drew the buggy around, flaying the horse with his whip.• The ponies were growing restless, and she shook the reins and sent them on down the gentle slope towards the house.• He gave me the backbone to take the reins and be assertive and a little more aggressive.• SunSelect general manager, Carl Ledbetter, takes the reins of the combined unit.• Meanwhile, Seb tied the reins of his horse to the back of the cart before sprinting towards the manor house.reinrein2 verb → rein something ↔ in→ See Verb tableExamples from the Corpus
rein• She was considered a wild girl who only needed reining in, and Hank was the man to do it.• But Puerto Rico is relying on Big Government to rein in crime and address festering social problems in the developments.• Further spotlighting that metamorphosis, Bush's budget used tones of moderation to describe its effort to rein in spending.• The ruling is an important victory for groups trying to rein in such verdicts.• The strategy of bartering, mentioned earlier is one way to rein in the cost of a date.• After reining in the regional barons and tackling the business oligarchs, Mr Putin read the riot act to the generals.• Bandelier did prompt his parents to take steps to rein Kip in.From Longman Business Dictionaryreinrein1 /reɪn/ noun1keep a tight rein on something to control something strictlyThe finance director keeps a tight rein on spending.2take/hand over the reins to take or give someone control over an organization or countryI only took over the financial reins three weeks before the end of the financial year.reinrein2 verb → rein something → in→ See Verb tableOrigin rein1 (1200-1300) Old French rene, from Latin retinere; → RETAIN 