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Synonyms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Either would keep inflation in check and deliver room to cut rates without worrying about reigniting price pressures.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre insists he is not fazed by criticism of his behaviour at the Masters, but says he is working to keep his emotions in check.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

The fund is rebalanced quarterly to keep holdings in check.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

The bottom line: Keep your exuberance in check.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

“You don’t have to be in check all the time, you know.”

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

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

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.