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Why "holding the reigns" misspells the equine expression
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 16/10/2024, 19:03
Lloyd Cooper 16/10/2024, 19:03English.me team member
What kind of error is it?
Spelling/usage error - homophone confusion
Why do people make this mistake?
People make this error because "reign" and "rein" are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. "Reign" refers to the period during which a sovereign rules, while "rein" refers to the straps used to control a horse. The correct expression uses "rein" as a metaphor for control.
What is correct?
The correct phrase is "holding the reins", referring to someone who is in control or guiding a situation, similar to how a rider uses reins to guide a horse.
Examples of correct usage
- She is holding the reins of the project and ensuring everything goes smoothly.
- After the CEO's retirement, the new leader took over, ready to hold the reins.
- As a parent, it's important to know when to hold the reins and when to let go.
Grammar
