call (someone) to heel

To force someone to obey one's wishes or commands; to make someone act in accordance with one's authority. The CEO was quick to call the junior board member to heel after the latter spoke out of turn at the annual general meeting. Sir, the members of your squad are all out of control. You need to call them to heel right away! I'll only be able to call the townspeople to heel if they believe that I have their best interests at heart.