# take the reins

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-the-reins
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of take control.

## Examples

- It is time for you to take the reins.
- When the manager left the company, the assistant had to take the reins of the project.
- After the sudden resignation of the director, the board asked the vice president to take the reins and stabilize the organization.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.