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

See Examples For:

in check

However, energy subsidies which keep electricity prices in check will now be restricted to families "in need".

From Barron's ● Sep. 3, 2026

That should encourage historically low corporate bond credit spreads — a second cost component in the bond market — to stay mostly in check.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

Weaver looked increasingly comfortable, with more time to operate than he should’ve had against a defense that’s going to be needed to keep top teams like Oregon, Washington, Ohio State and Indiana in check.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

Inflation is expected to remain in check despite higher commodity prices, reducing the need for tighter policy, she added.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

His temper would not remain in check much longer: He stood up and walked around, trying to work some of it off.

From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

Related Words

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