the reins [] the state of being in control or the leader of sth控制；掌管◆It was time to hand over the reins of power (= to give control to sb else).应该让权了。●give/allow sb/sth free/full ˈrein●give/allow free/full ˈrein to sthto give sb complete freedom of action; to allow a feeling to be expressed freely对…不加约束；放任自由；充分表达（感情）◆The designer was given free rein.设计者可以自由发挥。➡ idiom at tight