keep/hold somebody/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

keep (someone or something) in check

To limit or restrain someone or something. We need to come up with provisions to keep the new director in check—otherwise, he'll totally dismantle our department.

See also: check, keep

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

keep someone or something in check

 and hold someone or something in check

to keep someone or something under control; to restrain someone or something. Hang on to this rope to keep the dog in check. I was so angry I could hardly hold myself in check.

See also: check, keep

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

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