rein /reɪn/► SEE ALLgive/allow sb/sth free/full reingive/allow free/full rein to sb/sthkeep a tight rein on sb/sth ●give/allow sb/sth free/full ˈrein●give/allow free/full ˈrein to sb/sthnot restrict, limit or control sth对…不加约束；对…放任自由◆In a novel the author need not keep to the facts, but a textbook is not the place to give free rein to your imagination. 小说作者不用拘泥于事实，而课本却不允许凭空想象。OPPkeep a tight rein on sb/sthNOTE A rein is a long leather band that is fastened around a horse’s neck and used by the rider to control the speed of the horse. * rein （缰绳）是拴在马脖子上的长皮带，骑手用以控制马的速度。●keep a tight ˈrein on sb/sth ( keep sb/sth on a tight ˈleash) control sb/sth very carefully; give sb/sth very little freedom对…严加约束；牢牢驾驭◆The company must keep a tight rein on spending.公司必须严格控制支出。◆She keeps her children on a tight leash to make sure they don’t get into trouble.她严加管教自己的孩子，以保证他们不会惹麻烦。OPPgive/allow sb/sth free/full reinNOTE A leash is used to hold and control a dog, and a rein is used to control a horse. * leash 指拴狗用的皮带，rein 则指马的缰绳。