手綱
Meanings
1
reins; bridle
Literal leather straps used to control a horse. Also appears in set phrases like 手綱を握る (take the reins).
I held the reins for the first time at the riding club.
2
control; the reins
Figurative extension: control or guidance over a person, organization, or situation. Often used in expressions like 手綱を握る (take control) or 手綱を緩める (loosen control).
The president holds the reins of the company.
It's dangerous if parents loosen the reins on their children too much.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が手綱を握るfor someone to take the reins/control
The new president took the reins of the company.
- 〈人〉が手綱を引くto pull the reins (to steer or slow a horse)
The jockey pulled the reins on the steep slope.
- 〈人〉に手綱を持たせるto let someone else hold the reins (delegate control)
The president let the young employee take charge of the site.