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
Silver told the audience that she had to wear her “big girl pants and hold the reins without Dick here as the safety net.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025
Democrats hold the reins of power, with solid majorities in the state House and Senate, as well as every statewide elected office.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 9, 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
He asked Ben to hold the reins for a moment as he stood up and hollered up to the bridgetender’s house.
From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy
