in check
Held at bay
To keep something in check is to restrain or control it, preventing it from growing, spreading, or getting out of hand: The medication keeps her blood pressure in check, We need to hold our spending in check.
The phrase derives from chess, where a king in check faces direct threat and must respond immediately.
Control over impulses
- moderationAvoidance of excess
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
containment · constraint · curb · limit · rein · bridle · suppress · manage
Male crowned ruler
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- threatIndication of potential harm
- pinPointed metal fastener
- forkTined eating tool
tactics · defense · block · interpose · zugzwang · tempo · pressure · attack
Supervision or inadvertent omission
- supervisionOverseeing people or processes
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
vigilance · observation · inspection · audit · verification · review · examination · tracking
Lines marking separation
- limitationsImposed or inherent bounds
- constraintsLimits on action
- prohibitionsFormal orders against something
- embargoOfficial prohibition on trade
sanctions · veto · interdiction · banned · barred · blocked · stopped · halted
restraint
Control over impulses
- moderationAvoidance of excess
- balanceSteadiness or amount owed
- self-controlAbility to restrain impulses
discipline · containment · constraint · curb · limit · rein · bridle · suppress · manage · regulate
king
Male crowned ruler
- stalemateMutual obstruction preventing progress
- threatIndication of potential harm
- pinPointed metal fastener
fork · tactics · defense · block · interpose · zugzwang · tempo · pressure · attack · gambit
oversight
Supervision or inadvertent omission
- supervisionOverseeing people or processes
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- scrutinyClose, careful examination
watchfulness · vigilance · observation · inspection · audit · verification · review · examination · tracking · accountability
boundaries
Lines marking separation
- limitationsImposed or inherent bounds
- constraintsLimits on action
- prohibitionsFormal orders against something
embargo · sanctions · veto · interdiction · banned · barred · blocked · stopped · halted · prevented
in checkout of control
Unable to be restrained
running wild · unchecked · unrestrained · unbridled · rampant
in checkout of control
Unable to be restrained
uncontrolled · undisciplined · unregulated · wild · uncurbed