n.
- a long, narrow strap attached at one end to a horse's bit, typically used in pairs to guide or check a horse in riding or driving.
▸Brit. a pair of straps used to restrain a young child.
-
(reins)
the power to direct and control:
a new manager will soon take over the reins.
v.
- check or guide (a horse) by pulling on its reins.
-
(often rein someone/thing in/back)
restrain.
Phrase
- draw rein
Brit. stop one's horse. -
(a)
free rein
freedom of action or expression. - keep a tight rein on
exercise strict control over.
Usage
The phrase a free rein, which derives from the literal meaning of allowing a horse to move freely without being controlled by reins, is sometimes misinterpreted and wrongly written as a free reign.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. rene, based on L. retinere ‘retain’.