take the reins

English

Pronunciation

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Verb

take the reins (third-person singular simple present takes the reins, present participle taking the reins, simple past took the reins, past participle taken the reins)

1. (idiomatic) Synonym of take control.
   • 2023 May 14, Nikkei staff writers, “Thailand election latest: Opposition Move Forward, Pheu Thai coy on coalition”, in Nikkei‎^[1]:

     a general election campaign focused on whether the pro-military camp should remain in power or pro-democracy opposition groups should take the reins.

Coordinate terms

• hold the reins