bring/get/keep something under control

bring (someone or something) under (one's) control

1. To assume a position of power over a person, group, or thing. The terms of the treaty bring our country under the king's control. I think you'll have a hard time bringing the department under your control—they're very loyal to their old boss. The prince thought it would be easy to bring our people under his control? Ha, that was his first mistake.

2. To assert control over someone or something, especially to limit their or its actions or potentially negative effects. In this usage, a pronoun does not need to be used between "under" and "control." Thankfully, the teacher was able to bring all the screaming kids under control. The reception area was in a state of chaos when I got into the office today, but Elaine seems to have brought it all under her control. You really think you can bring five unruly barking dogs under your control? Yeah, good luck.

See also: bring, control

get (someone or something) under control

To gain power over someone or something so as to limit their or its potential negative effects. Thankfully, the teacher was able to get all the screaming kids under control. The reception area was in a state of chaos earlier, but Elaine seems to have gotten it all under control. You really think you can get these five unruly barking dogs under control? Yeah, good luck

See also: control, get

keep (someone or something) under (one's) control

1. To assume a position of power over a person, group, or thing. The terms of the treaty keep our country under the king's control. I think you'll have a hard time keeping the department under your control—they're very loyal to their old boss.

2. To have power over someone or something so as to limit their or its potential negative effects. In this usage, a pronoun is not used between "under" and "control." Thankfully, the teacher was able to keep all the kids under control during the evacuation.

See also: control, keep

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

bring someone or something under one's control

to achieve dominion over someone or something. The dictator was at last able to bring the army under his control. Harry could not bring Ron under his control. Walter could not be brought under Lily's control.

See also: bring, control

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

bring/get/keep something under conˈtrol

succeed in dealing with something so that it does not cause any harm: It took two hours to bring the fire under control. ♢ Please keep your dog under control!

See also: bring, control, get, keep, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017