hold the reins
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“I feel like I’m trying to hold the reins on something I can’t really control.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
The 65-year-old, who took office in late 2021, also made clear that he expects to hold the reins in Berlin for some time.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 14, 2023
These delegates are assigned block by block in the system; no one leader may hold the reins for too long.
From Slate • Mar. 18, 2022
Using the bully pulpit might prod other policymakers, who hold the reins on everything from education to immigration, into action.
From New York Times • Aug. 2, 2019
Tayo didn’t even bother to hold the reins; he knotted them the way Josiah had shown him when he was a little kid, so that the reins stayed together on the horse’s neck.
From "Ceremony:" by Leslie Marmon Silko
