keep a close rein on (someone or something)

keep a close rein on (someone or something)

To maintain strict or tight control over someone or something; to not allow someone or something to proceed or develop unchecked. Ever since George nearly lost his life savings in a drunken poker match, his wife has started keeping a close rein on him. The boss has kept a close rein on her assistant since she hired her. We try to keep a close rein on our expenditures, but that's not always possible.

See also: close, keep, on, rein

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