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
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
Across the way, it’s selfies galore with the hops harvest-festival mural on Starbucks’ rear; a couple women pretend to hold the reins of the painted horses, and from here, with a beer, it looks picture-perfect.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 27, 2018
Men who hold the reins of power now have a deep systemic fear of having their lives destroyed by an errant act.
From New York Times • Dec. 12, 2017
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
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