hold (someone or something) in check

hold (someone or something) in check

To limit or restrain someone or something; to keep someone or something from becoming too powerful or influential. We need to come up with provisions to hold the new director in check—otherwise, he'll totally dismantle our department.
See also: check, hold
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

keep/hold somebody/something in ˈcheck

control somebody/something: The disease is kept in check with drugs. It was difficult to hold their enthusiasm in check.
See also: check, hold, keep, somebody, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • be/have done with somebody/something
  • be in line with (someone or something)
  • better of
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • begin with
  • begin with (someone or something)
  • be rough on (someone or something)
  • bird has flown, the
  • beware of
  • beware of (someone or something)