in the saddle
Holding the reins
In the saddle means in a position of control or authority, from the image of a rider commanding a horse.
Someone back in the saddle has resumed their duties after an absence.
The phrase emphasizes active engagement: She's been in the saddle since 6 a.m. , With the new CEO in the saddle, changes came quickly.
- reinsBit-attached steering straps
- hold the reinsExercise control over something
- bridleEquine control harness
- astrideWith legs spanning
- equestrianismArt of riding horses
on horseback · horseback · horse riding · gallop · mounted · command · authority · take charge · responsibility · oversight · at the helm · stirrups · jockey · in charge · calling the shots · mastery · engaged · in control
- Horse Idiomshold your horses, dark horse, high horse, straight from the horse's mouth, horse sense
in the saddlepowerless
Lacking strength or authority
dethroned · deposed · ousted · subordinate · taking orders
in the saddlesidelined
Removed from participation
on the sidelines · benched · out of action · on the bench · inactive
in the saddleunhorsed
Knocked from mount
unseated · dismounted · thrown · on foot · bucked off
saddle, saddles, saddled, saddling, saddler, saddlery, unsaddle, unsaddled, packsaddle