keep/hold in check

idiom

: to keep (something) under control

He's trying to hold his emotions in check.

The government has raised interest rates in an attempt to keep inflation in check.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

The group has long pushed for radical transparency around the LAPD, arguing that outside oversight bodies have routinely failed over the years to expose and keep in check police misconduct. —Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2023

The 2,700 firefighters on hand saw short-range spotting in the southwest and west corners of the fire, but the fire’s short advance remained in areas that firefighters could keep in check. —Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2022

Iran, a country the U.S. wants Saudis to help keep in check, ranks ahead of China. —Jeffrey Fields, The Conversation, 12 July 2022

The world economy risks entering a new era of high inflation which central banks need to keep in check, the Bank for International Settlements said. —Fortune, 26 June 2022

And in order to protect her son, the mother decides to release the Krakken — turning herself into a monstrous vampire, the very thing her medicine is supposed to keep in check. —Andy Meek, BGR, 14 Dec. 2021

The Rebels, however, could be harder to keep in check thanks to the SEC’s most productive offense averaging 524.2 yards a game. —Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY, 14 Nov. 2021

The blitz ignited outrage online about privilege and decorum, and fueled the sort of populist resentment about once-unthinkable wealth that the Communist Party tries to keep in check. —New York Times, 19 Jan. 2021

The Gators might have too many pieces to keep in check, particularly for an undermanned Dawgs defense missing, among others, star safety Richard LeCounte and mammoth nose tackle Jordan Davis (6-6, 340) questionable with an elbow injury. —Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 6 Nov. 2020

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