ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take the reins

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of take control.


Examples
SIMPLE

It is time for you to take the reins.

CONTEXTUAL

When the manager left the company, the assistant had to take the reins of the project.

COMPLEX

After the sudden resignation of the director, the board asked the vice president to take the reins and stabilize the organization.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  2. 02

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  3. 03

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

  4. 04

    get taken in

    To be fooled; to fall for.

  5. 05

    give and take

    A process of compromise or accommodation.

  6. 06

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

    Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

  7. 07

    have one's name taken

    To receive a yellow card.

  8. 08

    hold the reins

    To be in charge, to be in control, as of a business, political organization, or other group.

Last updated April 17, 2026