taking the reins
Stepping into leadership
Taking the reins means assuming control or leadership of something, from the image of a rider grasping a horse's reins to steer it.
The phrase usually describes someone stepping into a position of authority: She's taking the reins of the company next month, After the founder retired, his daughter took the reins.
It emphasizes active direction rather than passive inheritance of a role.
- in chargeHaving authority over
- overseeManage and direct
- call the shotsExercise ultimate authority
- proactivityTendency to anticipate needs
- leaderOne who guides others
at the helm · accountability · helm · bridle · command · seize control · harness · assertiveness · captain · handover · rudder · stewardship · step up · governance · manager · succession · new leadership · steering wheel
- taking chargeleading, commanding, directing, managing, captaining
taking the reinsstepping down
Voluntarily relinquishing a role
taking a back seat · passing the torch · taking orders · abdicating · falling in line
taking the reinsstepping aside
Removing oneself from position
letting go · bowing out · backing off · disengaging · checking out
take, taking, takes, taken, taker, takers, retake, retaking, uptake