Spanish word

rienda

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈrjenda/

Meaning

  • feminine nounreins

Example

Sujeta bien la rienda cuando montes.

Hold the reins firmly when you ride.

Illustration for rienda (reins)

More examples

Tomó las riendas del proyecto y decidió el nuevo calendario.

He took the reins of the project and decided on the new schedule.

Core concept

Leather strap a rider holds to steer a horse via the bit.

Common phrases

  • tomar las riendas

    take the reins

  • llevar las riendas

    take the lead

Similar words

correa: Thin strap held in the hand that allows direct pulling, fastening, or guiding of objects or animals.
cabestro: Lead rope or noseband placed over a horse's nose that lets a handler guide it from the ground.
brida: Horse headgear that fits the head, secures the bit, and provides attachment points for reins.

Definition in Spanish

Tira, generalmente de cuero, que se sujeta al bocado del caballo para guiarlo; en sentido figurado, poder o control sobre algo.

Word origin

Derives from Latin retinaculum via Vulgar Latin into Old Spanish and names the physical rein before extending as a metaphor for power or control.

Usage tips

  • To say someone takes charge Spanish uses llevar las riendas or tomar las riendas, while dar rienda suelta means to give free rein and implies release rather than taking control.

Opposites

Word lists with this word