reins

hand over the reins

to allow someone else to control something you controlled previously, especially an organization or a country Company chiefs are often reluctant to hand over the reins of power to younger people. (often + to ) I built up the business, but I handed over the reins to my daughter last year.

See also: hand

take over/up the reins

to take control of something, especially an organization or a country (often + of ) He took up the reins of government immediately after the coup.

See hand over the reins, tighten the reins

See also: take

tighten the reins

to start to control something or someone more carefully (often + on ) She has tightened the reins on her younger sons in an effort to curb their wild behaviour before it's too late.

See also: tighten

---

take over the reins

to begin controlling an organization or a country She offered good advice to the new Speaker as he took over the reins of leadership in the House of Representatives.

Etymology: based on the idea that the person who handles the reins (straps) that control a horse has control of the vehicle the horse is pulling

See also: take