hold (someone or something) in check

hold (someone or something) in check

To limit or restrain someone or something; to keep someone or something from becoming too powerful or influential. We need to come up with provisions to hold the new director in check—otherwise, he'll totally dismantle our department. You've got to find a way to hold the company's expenses in check, or you could end up going bankrupt. He was careful to hold his displeasure in check as he unwrapped the present from his wife.

See also: check, hold

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

keep/hold somebody/something in ˈcheck

control somebody/something: The disease is kept in check with drugs. ♢ It was difficult to hold their enthusiasm in check.

See also: check, hold, keep, somebody, something

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017