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

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

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

“The noise could keep Meta shares under pressure,” or at least held in check in the near term, J.P.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

He seemed frustrated, anxious, as if he wanted to explode into action and was only just being held in check.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

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