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

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

The company had been fending off criticism for its AI spending, especially as cloud growth had been held in check.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 30, 2026

Now he had spoken his name, and emotions, fears, that he had held in check all day surged up through him.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes

Related Words

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