hold the reins
Be in charge
To hold the reins is to be in control or have authority over something, from the image of a rider or driver controlling a horse.
Someone who holds the reins makes the decisions and directs the course of events: She held the reins of the company for thirty years.
Often appears as take the reins (assume control) or hand over the reins (transfer authority).
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- governExercise political control
- run the showControl an operation
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- directUndeviating or to guide
pull the strings · dominate · control · in control · tight grip · steer · authority · decision-maker · iron fist · crack the whip · firm hand · guide · bridle · power · harness · in the saddle · rule the roost · helm
hold the reinsfollow orders
take orders · take a back seat · obey · submit · defer
hold the reinsabdicate
Formally renounce authority
step down · lose control · wash one's hands of · disengage · go with the flow
hold, holder, holding, withhold, holds, rein, reins, reined, reining