rein back Definition

rein
noun

1. The strap, or either of the two halves of the strap, attached to a bridle and used to guide and control a horse.

Thesaurus: overcheck, checkrein, harness.
Form: reins (often)
2. The direction to right or left in which a rider turns their horse.

Form: on a rein (especially)
Form: on the right rein
Form: on the left rein
3. A device with straps for guiding a small child. Also called walking reins.

Form: reins (usually)
4. Any means of controlling, governing or restraining.

Thesaurus: restraint, hold, brake, control, restriction, check, curb.

verb reined, reining

1. To provide with reins.
2. To guide or control (especially a horse) with reins.
3. To stop or restrain them with or as if with reins.

Form: rein someone in (usually)
Form: rein something in
intr
4. To stop or slow up.

Form: rein in (usually)

Idiom: draw rein

Said of a rider: to pull up; to stop.

Idiom: give rein to someone or something (give a free rein to someone or something)

To allow them free play; to place no restraints on them.
Thesaurus: allow, authorize, permit, give carte blanche, condone, cut someone's apron strings.

Idiom: keep a tight rein on someone or something

To keep strict control of them or it.
Thesaurus: control, manage, have authority over, check, restrict, keep on a short leash (US).

Idiom: take the reins (take up the reins)

To take control.

Etymology: 13c: from French resne, from Latin retinere to hold back, from tenere to hold.

Phrasal Verb: rein back

Said of a horse: to step backwards.

Phrasal Verb: rein something back

To make (a horse) step backwards by applying pressure on the reins.To take measures to stop (eg inflation, costs, etc) from continuing or increasing any further.