Grammar fix
rein in
bring under control (figurative)
To limit, control, or restrain someone's actions, emotions, or spending, especially when they are becoming excessive or out of control.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The government is trying to rein in public spending to reduce the national debt.daily life
- In my opinion, parents should rein in their children's screen time to ensure they develop healthy habits.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: rein in + noun / rein in + someone's + behaviour/emotions/spending
WrongThey need to reign in their costs.
RightThey need to rein in their costs.
It's 'rein in' (like a horse's reins), not 'reign' — a very common spelling error.
Patternrein in + noun / rein in + someone's + behaviour/emotions/spending
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Rein in' is the natural verb for bringing something under control; 'curtail excessive expenditure' is formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
rein in + excessspendingcostsyour temperthe kids
Don't confuse it
Unlike the literal use of 'rein in' with horses, this sense is figurative and refers to controlling abstract things like behaviour, not physical objects.