take the reins

phrase

: to take control
The President-elect will officially take the reins in January.

Examples of take the reins in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma The couple enlisted their two close friends to take the reins on their wedding day. Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026 The moves were meant to reshape the roster to maximize superstar Luka Doncic, who will take the reins with the departure of LeBron James. Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026 Comcast’s current co-CEO, Mike Cavanagh, will run the new content company, while former CFO Michael Aneglakis will take the reins at the cable business. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 29 June 2026

Cite this Entry

“Take the reins.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20reins. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster