French word

rêne

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁɛn/

Meaning

  • feminine nounrein

Example

Le cavalier serre la rêne pour ralentir le cheval.

The rider tightens the rein to make the horse slow down.

Illustration for rêne (rein)

More examples

Après la démission, elle a pris les rênes de l'équipe.

After the resignation, she took the reins of the team.

Core concept

Flexible lines linking a rider's hands with a horse's bit and transmitting changes of direction and pace.

Common phrases

  • prendre les rênes

    take the reins

  • tenir les rênes

    hold the reins

Similar words

contrôle: The power or role of keeping a person or situation within desired bounds.
pouvoir: The ability or authority to make decisions or influence events.
direction: The course or policy that guides an organization or action.

Definition in French

Pièce de harnachement constituée d'une lanière que le cavalier utilise pour contrôler les mouvements du cheval.

Word origin

The modern form rêne developed from Old French resne, which is linked to Latin retinere, meaning to hold back.

Usage tips

  • In tenir les rênes, les rênes means being in control, so the expression also applies to politics, organizations, and other non-equestrian contexts.

Opposites

Word lists with this word