hold the reins

phrase

: to be in control
They held the reins of government/power.

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hold the mayo
hold the reins
hold the world/Olympic record
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Cite this Entry

“Hold the reins.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20the%20reins. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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