reign

in the reign of Queen Dick

dated At no point ever. (Used to show skepticism over an absurd or unbelievable story.) John: "And after a half-hour struggle, I managed to haul in a fish that weighed over 30 pounds!" Charlie: "Sure, John. That happened in the reign of Queen Dick."
See also: dick, of, queen, reign

reign of terror

A period of oppression by a hostile ruler. Sometimes used hyperbolically. The people could only tolerate the dictator's reign of terror for so long before they started a revolution. Is mom finished with her reign of terror, or do we have to keep cleaning the house every weekend?
See also: of, reign, terror

reign over (someone or something)

1. To control someone or something with absolute authority or power. The dictator has reigned over the country with an iron fist since his military coup in 1987. It's been 30 years since the monarchy reigned over us, and some parts of the population wish we could go back to that time.
2. To be a very influential or widespread force over someone or something. Terror has been reigning over our citizens ever since the war began.
See also: over, reign

reign supreme

To be the best or most influential thing in a particular area or era. France's fashion houses still reign supreme today. Disco music reigned supreme in the 1970s.
See also: reign

rein in

To tighten control over someone or something; to restrain, slow down, or diminish someone or something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "rein" and "in." You need to rein in your journalists. They can't be writing such inflammatory pieces. I'm trying to rein in my enthusiasm a bit, because I don't want to be disappointed.
See also: rein

rein up

1. To come to a stop while riding a horse. Why don't we rein up over by that stream so the horses can get a drink? I reined up so I could listen for predators rustling around me.
2. To bring a horse to a stop by pulling back on its reins. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "rein" and "up." She reined her horse up, drew her bow, and fired an arrow straight into the center of the target. The bandits reined up their horses outside the front of the tavern and drew their firearms.
See also: rein, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give free rein to someone

 and give someone free rein
Fig. to allow someone to be completely in charge (of something). (Alludes to loosening the reins of a horse and therefore control.) The boss gave the manager free rein with the new project. The principal gave free rein to Mrs. Brown in her classes.
See also: free, give, rein

reign over someone or something

to rule over someone or something. The king reigned over his subjects for over thirty years. The queen reigned over the country for along time.
See also: over, reign

rein someone or something in

to bring someone or something under control; to slow down someone or something. Fred is getting out of hand. The boss undertook to rein him in a bit. The boss is trying to rein in Jane's enthusiasm.
See also: rein

rein something up

to bring something, usually a horse, to a stop. She reined her horse up and stopped for a chat. Rein up your horse and stop for a while.
See also: rein, up

rein up

[for a horse rider] to stop. The equestrian reined up and dismounted. We all reined up and waited for the cars to pass by.
See also: rein, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

give free rein to

see under free hand.
See also: free, give, rein
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a reign of terror

COMMON A reign of terror is a period during which there is a lot of violence and killing, especially by people who are in positions of power. The dictator's 17-year reign of terror had ended and the people took to the streets to celebrate their freedom. His victims during a four-month reign of terror included a schoolgirl and a student. Note: The original Reign of Terror was during the French Revolution between April 1793 and July 1794, when many thousands were put to death by the government.
See also: of, reign, terror
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

reign over

v.
1. To have authority or control over someone or something; rule over someone or something: The same family has reigned over this island for ten generations.
2. To be prevalent or predominant in some place or situation: Chaos reigned over the city during the power outage.
See also: over, reign

rein in

v.
1. To restrain or control something or someone: The coalition tried to rein in its more militant members. I reined my anger in and refused to fight.
2. To make a horse move more slowly or stop by pulling back on reins: Rein in your horse while this truck goes by. The horses wanted to break free, but the rancher reined them in.
See also: rein
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • I wouldn't bet on (something)
  • I wouldn't bet on it
  • wouldn't bet on it
  • john
  • the john
  • live and kicking
  • it's all good
  • excuse
References in periodicals archive
Dr Reign is a paediatrician who works at Nairobi Hospital and records music part time.
Singer Dela surprises fans with wedding
In a video posted by Advanced League of People's Artists Melbourne, Fox said: "At present, the Philippines, the human rights abuses are just increasing and it's a reign of terror.
Palace: No tyranny, just 'reign of fear' for lawbreakers
The 'Reign' album has 17 songs including 'Wonders,' 'Caesar,' 'Amount,' 'Sister Sister,' 'Don't Baby My Baby,' among others.
Shatta Wale 'Reign' album #6 on Billboard World Chart
The transaction will result in Marlin and certain of its subsidiaries, including Oro Gold de Mexico and Marlin Gold Trading, becoming wholly-owned subsidiaries of Golden Reign.
Golden Reign, Marlin Gold to Combine Businesses
Oregon Reign, coached by former University of Oregon standout Missy Doerr, defeated the Portland-based Northwest Bullets in the championship game 8-0 in five innings.
Oregon Reign wins ASA state title
The author of this study has produced a wonderful companion to Chris GivenWilson's earlier Chronicles of the Revolution 1397-1400: The Reign of Richard II.
The Reign of Richard II: From Minority to Tyranny, 1377-97
It also celebrates commerce and industry, food and drink, award-winners, charities, tourism and the diverse range of education establishments which have shaped the UK and the world during her reign.
A jewel in our crown
The website said: "The Queen's lengthy reign gives rise to another Guinness World Records title, longest heir apparent.
Pageant adds to broken records
Numbers behind the reign of Queen Elizabeth II It's been 60 years since Queen Elizabeth II became monarch of the UK, and she's marking her Diamond Jubilee year with a series of parties, pageants and even 1,000 boats sailing up the River Thames.
Inside Air Travel
4 Over her reign the monarch has given regular audiences to 12 different British Prime Ministers: ?
60 Diamond Jubilee facts
In the twin parables of the treasure and the pearl, the Matthean Jesus is affirming the supreme value of the reign of God, and with each affirmation, all present are invited to ask themselves whether the message of the parables rings true for us.
Letting go of all but God
Pope John Paul II returning to earth to reign with terror?
The sky is falling! The sky is falling!
The third evangelist is testifying to the engagement of Israel's God in the events of the Messiah's reign. Luke's Advent, Epiphany, and Transfiguration stories are embedded in Israel's social, political, and religious world in the constant presence of the Roman order.
Telling the prophetic truth: Advent--Epiphany according to St. Luke
THE CLASSICAL WORLD: AN EPIC HISTORY FROM HOMER TO HADRIAN comes from a classical historian specialist who traces history from Homer to the reign of Hadrian, revealing wars, peace, the rise and fall of empires, and the heros and tyrants who reigned during the times.
The Classical World