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

This week he signed into law a bill reducing taxes on diesel and capping commercial markups on both diesel and petrol, a bid to keep energy costs in check.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

“The Fed, through its influence on demand, always has a role to play when it comes to keeping inflation in check, no matter the proximate cause of that inflation,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

But El-Sayed, who does not lack confidence, didn’t always keep his tongue in check.

From Slate ● Aug. 5, 2026

His departure has allowed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tide over an immediate crisis, but keeping youth discontent in check may well remain a long-term challenge for his government.

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

He dug and loaded, his excitement kept in check by the rhythm of the work.

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park

Related Words

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