draw in the reins

Discover More

Idioms and Phrases

Come to a halt, back down. For example, During a recession, many businesses are forced to draw in the reins on expansion . This expression transfers the means of stopping a horse to other kinds of restraint.

Word of the Day

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

draw in one's horns drawknife

Browse