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Showing results for take the reins.

take the reins

VERB
dictate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
govern guide impose lay down prescribe
STRONG
bid bulldoze charge control decree direct enjoin instruct lead manage ordain order pronounce regiment rule set
WEAK
call the play call the shots call the tune lay down the law put foot down read the riot act walk heavy
Antonyms
STRONG
disallow mismanage
WEAK
ask implore request
VERB
direct
Synonyms
STRONGEST
advise conduct control guide handle keep lead operate run supervise
STRONG
administer boss dispose dominate govern influence ordain quarterback regulate rule shepherd superintend
WEAK
be in the driver's seat call the shots carry on control the affairs of have the say head up preside over run the show run things
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abandon give up leave let go neglect obey serve
STRONG
follow mismanage submit surrender yield
WEAK
diverge misdirect misguide mislead
VERB
steer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
drive escort govern herd shepherd
STRONG
beacon captain conduct control helm lead pilot point route run see show skipper
WEAK
be in the driver's seat head for run things take over take the helm

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.

When Sussan Ley made history as the first woman to take the reins of Australia's Liberal Party, she insisted this was a pivotal moment for the party – or what was left of it anyway.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

There’s some reprieve and relief in letting go, allowing someone else to take the reins.

From Salon • Feb. 8, 2026

Now he’ll take the reins of the Trojans special teams, which were lacking in many of those areas last season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 20, 2026

The armed forces have ruled Myanmar for most of its post-independence history, before a decade-long democratic thaw saw civilians take the reins in a burst of reform.

From Barron's • Jan. 10, 2026

Theon reached around her to take the reins.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin