rein in
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
to stop something from going too far
Literal meaning: to pull in a horse's reins to make it slow down or stop
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to bring something under control or keep it within limits
"The central bank acted quickly to rein in inflation."
"The government is under pressure to rein in public spending."
— Common news and political reporting formula
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to control your own feelings, behavior, or impulses
"She had to rein in her frustration during the interview."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Originally from controlling a horse with reins. Commonly used for spending, emotions, growth, or power.
Commonly used with
spending inflation emotions costs power deficit
Forms
Base
rein in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
reins in
he/she/it
Past simple
reined in
yesterday
Past participle
reined in
have + pp
-ing form
reining in
continuous
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Synonyms
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