Rein in means bring something under control: spending, emotions, appetites. The committee agreed to rein in unnecessary spending, so they cut extra costs. The image comes from horse riding: a rein is the strap you pull to slow the horse down. She tried to rein in her excitement, so she held back her joy.
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rein in spending / enthusiasm; rein something in; rein it in
- The committee agreed to rein in unnecessary spending.
- She tried to rein in her excitement until the result was official.
- The rider gently reined the horse in.
What changed
First versionWe need to reign in the extra costs.
RevisionWe need to rein in the extra costs.
Rein and reign sound the same, and the more familiar reign comes out first. But reign means rule as a king or queen. Holding back is rein, as with reins: rein in the extra costs.
Cut down on means simply reduce: cut down on sugar. Rein in means bring under control something that has got out of hand: rein in spending, rein in your temper. Hold back means keep something in, including tears or information: she held back tears.
Your turn
Choose the verb meaning keep under control: The team must ___ in its spending.
Show the answer
rein — Controlling something is rein, as in reins. Reign means rule, even though it sounds the same.
Describe spending or a habit you once had to rein in.
We reined in the decorations budget so there would be enough money for lighting.
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