bring to heel

1. Force to obey, subjugate. For example, The prisoners were quickly brought to heel. This term transfers commanding a dog to come close behind its master to similar control over human beings or affairs. [Second half of 1800s]

Related Words

• conquer 
• curb 
• pacify 
• restrain 
• soften 
• subdue 
• suppress 
• temper 
• vanquish