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
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
He practiced on the sawhorse how he would hold the reins in his left hand and a hat in his right hand.
From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck
