轡 (pèi) - Reins, bridle — the leather straps and bit

轡Tone 4

pèi ｜ 22 strokes ｜ radical:

柠七

轡 · pèi

Reins, bridle — the leather straps and bit used to control a horse or other draft animal.

Reins, bridle — the leather straps and bit

Usage highlights

Horse reinsTo take the reinsTo hold the reinsTo adjust the bridleReins and bitSilk reins

Synonyms

  • 缰— Reins, halter
  • 羁— Bridle, halter, restraint

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The rider held the reins tightly (手握缰辔).
  • Ancient chariots required skilled handling of the reins (执辔).
  • He took up the reins to guide the horse (揽辔).
  • The carriage driver adjusted the bridle (整辔).

Collocations

  • Horse reins(马辔)
  • To take the reins(执辔)
  • To hold the reins(揽辔)
  • To adjust the bridle(整辔)
  • Reins and bit(辔头)
  • Silk reins(丝辔)

Idioms

  • To take the reins and drive the chariot(执辔驾车)
  • Following the tracks and holding the reins(按辔徐行)
  • To take up office/responsibility(揽辔澄清)
  • Holding the reins as if facing an abyss(临渊揽辔)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, controlling reins symbolized authority, leadership, and governance.
  • The character appears frequently in classical texts describing charioteering and cavalry.
  • Metaphorically used to represent control over situations or taking charge of responsibilities.

FAQ