rein

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C,usually pl.] a long, narrow, leather band that is fastened around a horse's neck and is held by the rider in order to control the horse: She pulled gently on the reins. 2 (reins) [pl.] (BrE) straps worn by a small child and held by an adult in order to stop the child from walking off and getting lost 3 (the reins) [pl.] the state of being in control or the leader of sth: It was time to hand over the reins of power (= to give control to sb else). * The vice-president was forced to take up the reins of office. IDIOMS give / allow sb/sth free / full rein