tight rein

Would his record—lots of jobs, tight rein on spending—appeal to them?

For ten minutes we keep well behind the hounds, with a tight rein and heads bent to avoid the hanging oak limbs.

He kept a very tight rein on Smith, however, and introduced into the situation some dry humor, unusual with him.

You can do a good deal with your heart if you hold a tight rein on it and keep it on the right road.

I am afraid some harm has been done already, but it will blow over if he keeps a tight rein on his daughter.

"They're warranted free from civilization, and fit for almost anything, if you drive them with a tight rein," Gilby said.