Reins are used to direct a horse (or other animal) when riding or driving. They are attached to a bridle's bit or noseband and are made of leather, nylon, or other materials. Reins are used to give subtle commands or cuesâÂÂalso known as rein aidsâÂÂto ask for a turn, a slower speed, a halt, or to go backwards.
The word "rein" is sometimes used incorrectly to refer to a lead rope or a longe line, neither of which are reins.
The idiom "" means to hold back, slow down, control or limit, while in contrast "" means to give or allow complete freedom, in action and decision, over something. Both are commonly misspelled as "" and "".
While reins are used on reindeer, the "rein-" in "reindeer" is not derived from the word "rein".