hold the reins

== English == === Etymology === A metaphor, based on the usual method of controlling a horse or a team of horses. === Pronunciation === === Verb === hold the reins (third-person singular simple present holds the reins, present participle holding the reins, simple past and past participle held the reins) (idiomatic) To be in charge, to be in control, as of a business, political organization, or other group. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== bit between one's teeth take the reins