pull the reins in on something en · VERB
Etymology
Metaphor, referring to the control of a horse.
Meanings
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To restrict, curtail, curb; to slow down or reduce.
1989 July 24, Compnies still backing the efforts of net managers, editorial in Network World, page 28, It's anyone's guess whether Union Carbide Industrial Gases will ever pull the reins in on network projects in the face of slow business.
The tendency will be to take smaller steps when your legs cross and larger steps when your legs uncross. Pull the reins in on the uncross and extend assertively on the cross over.
2006, Chris Previc, The Student's Guide to Marching, page 115:In theory, high unemployment should temper inflation, as consumers pull the reins in on spending and prices come down.
2009, Steve McKee, When Growth Stalls: How it Happens, Why You're Stuck, and What to Do about it, page 102:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| pulling the reins in on something | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| pulls the reins in on something | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| pulled the reins in on something | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| pulled the reins in on something | Tense=Past | lexicographic |