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
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
A political ally, Htin Kyaw, was placed in the office, allowing Ms. Aung Suu Kyi to essentially hold the reins of power.
From New York Times • May 22, 2016
They was using two cowboys just to hold the reins while another one would hop on his back.
From "Life Is So Good" by George Dawson
