reins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (esp. metaphorical), Technical (equestrian)
Quick answer
What does “reins” mean?
Long, narrow leather straps attached to a bridle or headstall, used by a rider or driver to direct and control a horse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Long, narrow leather straps attached to a bridle or headstall, used by a rider or driver to direct and control a horse.
Often used metaphorically to refer to the means of control, guidance, or restraint over an organization, process, or one's own emotions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling in metaphorical phrases: BrE 'free rein', AmE occasionally 'free rein' or 'free reign' (the latter considered a common error). No significant difference in literal equestrian use.
Connotations
Identical. Both strongly associated with control, authority, guidance, and responsibility.
Frequency
Metaphorical use is more frequent than literal in both varieties, given the decline of horse-drawn transport. No major frequency difference.
Grammar
How to Use “reins” in a Sentence
take/hold/seize + the + reins + of + [ORG/ABSTRACT NOUN]keep a + [ADJ] + rein + on + [NOUN/POSSESSIVE]hand over + the + reins + to + [PERSON][PERSON] + is/are + at the reins + of + [ORG]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reins” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He reined in his enthusiasm during the formal meeting.
American English
- She had to rein in spending after the budget review.
adjective
British English
- He gave a rein-check to the horse before the jump.
American English
- The trainer discussed rein aids with the beginner rider.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"After the merger, the new CEO took the reins and immediately restructured the company."
Academic
"The study examines how political parties tighten the reins on their legislative members."
Everyday
"She took the reins of the project when the manager fell ill."
Technical
"The rider adjusted the outside rein to ask for a shoulder-in movement."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reins”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reins”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reins”
- Using singular 'rein' for the metaphorical control sense (e.g., 'He took the rein of the company').
- Confusing 'free rein' (freedom to act) with 'free reign' (a monarch's rule).
- Using 'reins' to mean 'rules' or 'regulations'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in both literal and most metaphorical uses, 'reins' is plural. The singular 'rein' appears in specific idioms like 'free rein' or 'a tight rein'.
'Reins' are straps for controlling a horse (literal/metaphorical control). 'Reigns' refers to the period of rule of a monarch. They are homophones, which leads to the common error 'free reign' instead of the correct 'free rein'.
Not directly. The related verb is 'to rein' (as in 'rein in'), which means to check, control, or restrain.
It is standard in formal and business contexts but is also widely understood in everyday speech. It carries a connotation of active, hands-on control or leadership.
Long, narrow leather straps attached to a bridle or headstall, used by a rider or driver to direct and control a horse.
Reins: in British English it is pronounced /reɪnz/, and in American English it is pronounced /reɪnz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take the reins”
- “free rein”
- “keep a tight rein on”
- “hand over the reins”
- “hold the reins”
- “at the reins”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine REINS as the CONTROLS you use to REIN IN a horse. Both words sound the same, linking the object to its function.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS HOLDING THE REINS; AN ORGANIZATION/EMOTION IS A HORSE.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'give someone free rein' mean?