Reins are straps that riders use to guide and stop horses. They are usually made of leather and are connected to the horse’s head. Pulling the reins helps control where the horse goes.
She pulled the reins to stop the horse.
Hold the reins tightly when riding.
To rein means to control or hold back someone or something. People can rein actions, emotions, or animals to keep them under control. It is often used with feelings or behavior.
You must rein your dog during the walk.
He reined in his anger quickly.
Reins can mean power or control over a place or group. When someone has the reins, they have the authority to make decisions and lead people. It is often used in politics or big organizations.
The government held the reins of the country.
They lost the reins of the organization.
To rein in means to stop something from growing or getting worse. People rein in money, emotions, or actions to keep things under control or prevent problems.
They needed to rein in costs during the crisis.
She tried to rein in her spending last month.
This use means to control your feelings or reactions. People rein in emotions like anger or excitement to behave properly. It is a common expression in talking about managing feelings.
She reined in her excitement at the news.
Try to rein your anger during the meeting.
In older or regional English, rein can mean a limit or line that shows where land or property stops. This meaning is now rare but can appear in historical texts or dialects.
The fields were marked by a clear rein.
Farmers respected the rein between their lands.
