缰Tone 1

jiāng ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

缰 · jiāng

Reins, bridle — the straps or ropes used to control and guide a horse or other animal.

Reins, bridle — the straps or ropes used

Usage highlights

ReinsTo take the reinsTo drop the reinsTo pull the reinsTo hold the reinsLeather reins

Synonyms

辔— Reins, bridle (more classical term)
勒— Bridle, curb (refers to the bit and reins together)

Usage & contexts

Examples

He pulled on the reins (缰绳) to stop the horse.
The rider held the reins (缰绳) tightly.
The horse broke free from its reins (脱缰).
She took the reins (执缰) and guided the horse.

Collocations

Reins(缰绳)
To take the reins(执缰)
To drop the reins(脱缰)
To pull the reins(拉缰)
To hold the reins(握缰)
Leather reins(皮缰)

Idioms

A wild horse that has broken its reins(脱缰野马)
To hold the reins and whip(执缰扬鞭)
To drop the reins and let the horse run(信马由缰)

Cultural background

Historically associated with horse riding and charioteering, important in transportation and warfare.
Metaphorically used to represent control, guidance, or restraint over a situation or power.

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