reins
Americanplural noun
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the kidneys.
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the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.
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(especially in Biblical use) the seat of the feelings or affections, formerly identified with the kidneys.
plural noun
Etymology
Origin of reins
before 1000; Middle English reines, reenes < Old French reins; compare Old English (once) rēnys; both < Latin rēnēs kidneys, loins (plural); cf. renal
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.
They wanted him at City and both of them understood the identity and direction he would want the club to take when he eventually took the reins.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Turner himself put on a uniform and temporarily became the manager during the 1977 season—until the league put a stop to it, citing rules against an owner taking the reins on the field.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
But eventually, you will have to hand over the reins.
From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026
What’s Next: Powell will hand the reins to Kevin Warsh once the Senate clears his nomination, with the next policy meeting in mid-June.
From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026
And my aunt stood at the rail, holding the reins and looking fiery-eyed—like some sort of windblown Messenger of the Apocalypse.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
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.
