in check

Idioms  

1. Restrained from moving or acting; under control. For example, The first division held the enemy in check, or Mary kept her emotions in check. This term replaced at check and out of check, which date from the mid-1500s.

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Example Sentences

California built its tradition of open government — including for citizen boards that set the rules for such functions as automotive repair and security guard licensing — precisely to keep well-funded corporate interests in check.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

The brown butter lends a nutty undertone and caramel depth, a quiet bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Egypt - which relies heavily on imported oil - has introduced a raft of temporary measures aimed at bringing fuel consumption down and keeping public finances in check.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

And even when I’ve been lucky enough to experience a respite from my illness, I’ve typically had to be on maintenance therapy to keep it in check.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

While waiting for the manuscript to arrive, I kept my nerves in check by writing up my ideas on bacterial sexuality.

From "Double Helix" by James D. Watson

Related Words

• discreet
• laid-back
• mild
• muted
• reasonable
• reticent
• subdued
• tasteful
• unobtrusive