rein yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rein yourself" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to advise someone to control their emotions or impulses, often in a situation where they might be tempted to act out or lose control. Example: "During the heated debate, she had to rein herself to avoid saying something she would regret later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"And it is good to hold oneself accountable but not good to rein yourself in because you can't predict what people will pick up.

The New York Times - Arts

Try to rein yourself in when you ask… What should you say when your disagreement is genuine and large – so much so that downplaying it would be an injustice to your intelligence and the speaker's?Staying civil is hugely important in this situation, so keep it brief.

The Guardian

Maybe you start off angry, explode, and then try to rein yourself back in.

WikiHow

Just like shopping at outlet and discount stores, rein yourself in at all other stores, too.

WikiHow

If s/he concedes, well and good, if s/he persist on her/his point, rein yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You've just got to take hold of the reins yourself and say, 'You know what?

The Guardian

If you struggle to rein in your emotions, distract yourself with other things instead.

WikiHow

When your children grow up, you have to keep a strict rein on yourself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"You have to ask yourself a question: 'Who benefits if this bill to rein in Wall Street or large financial institutions is strangled by a filibuster?' " Mr. Dodd asked.

The New York Times

But if you get too far ahead of yourself, the red-tape woven noose dangling around your neck will rein you back in.

TechCrunch

Reign, not rein.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rein yourself" when advising someone to actively manage their impulses or emotions in a situation that demands composure. It suggests taking control before acting rashly.

Common error

Avoid the common error of using "reign" (to rule) instead of "rein" (to control). "Reign yourself" is incorrect. Remember, horses are reined, and kings reign.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rein yourself" functions primarily as an imperative, urging self-control. This aligns with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as correct and usable for advising someone to manage their impulses. It directly calls for the individual to take command of their actions or emotions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rein yourself" is a grammatically correct phrase, albeit relatively rare in usage. As Ludwig highlights, it serves as a direct imperative to advise self-control. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, the phrase carries a neutral tone and is useful when you want to urge someone to manage their emotions or actions proactively. Remember to avoid confusing "rein" with the homophone "reign". Consider alternatives like "control yourself" or "hold yourself back" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

control yourself

Direct synonym emphasizing immediate control over one's actions or emotions.

hold yourself back

Focuses on the act of preventing oneself from doing or saying something.

restrain yourself

Implies a more forceful act of holding back, often from strong impulses.

curb your enthusiasm

Specifically targets excessive excitement or eagerness.

exercise self-control

Highlights the conscious effort required for self-regulation.

keep a lid on it

Informal expression suggesting suppression of emotions or behavior.

get a grip

Direct and somewhat forceful command to regain control.

pull yourself together

Suggests a need to recover from emotional distress or disarray.

master your emotions

Emphasizes achieving dominance over one's feelings.

modulate your behavior

Focuses on adjusting one's actions to fit a specific situation.

FAQs

How can I use "rein yourself" in a sentence?

"Rein yourself" is typically used as an imperative, urging someone to control their emotions or behavior. For example, "During the negotiation, you need to "rein yourself" and remain calm."

What does it mean to "rein yourself" in?

To "rein yourself in" means to control or restrain your actions, emotions, or impulses. It suggests bringing oneself under control, similar to using reins to guide a horse.

Are there situations where it's not appropriate to tell someone to "rein yourself"?

Yes, telling someone to "rein yourself" can be perceived as insensitive if they are already struggling with a difficult situation or expressing genuine emotions. Consider using a more empathetic approach first.

What's a more formal way to say "rein yourself"?

More formal alternatives to "rein yourself" include "exercise self-control", "restrain yourself", or "maintain composure".