Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

hold the reins

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.31 in modern English

Syllables: hold the reins
IPA

19

Scrabble Score

12

Letters

1

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To be in charge, to be in control, as of a business, political organization, or other group.

Example Sentences

"These terms . . . will place the future behavior of Germany at the dictation of the associated powers regardless of what form of provisional government may hold the reins at Berlin."
"The convention also delivered a slap to the technocrats who have held the reins of government for more than a decade."
"While conservatives hold the reins at the SBC, moderates have retained control of the Baptist General Convention of Texas."

Etymology

A metaphor, based on the usual method of controlling a horse or a team of horses.

Inflected Forms

holds the reins (present, singular) holding the reins (participle, present) held the reins (participle, past) held the reins (past)

Phrases

bit between one's teeth take the reins

Frequently Paired Words

bit between one's teeth take the reins

Questions

What does hold the reins mean?: To be in charge, to be in control, as of a business, political organization, or other group.
Where does hold the reins come from?: A metaphor, based on the usual method of controlling a horse or a team of horses.

How to pronounce hold the reins

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