Quick, without looking anything up, can you tell if the following sentences are correct?

❓A monarch takes the reins at the start of her reign.

❓He had free reign to develop new strategies.

❓After more than a decade on the job, she knew how to hold the reins during times of chaos.

One of those sentences contains a phrase that was the subject of one of the closest quizzes we did in 2025. And if you spotted the incorrect sentence, you know which phrase it is.

We had covered reign and rein in this newsletter before last year's quiz, but it's not difficult to understand why this quiz was still close, though the majority got the correct answer. Here's how we explained it in our first newsletter on these words:

One reason [for the confusion] is probably that they both have to do with control. When used as a verb, ​“reign” means​ to exercise sovereign rule or be the predominant force. It can also be a noun, meaning a royal authority or the time that such an authority rules. As a noun, “​rein​” is the strap you use to control an animal (typically a horse). It can also be used as a verb: She reined in her horse.

To add to the confusion, “​take the reins​” and “​hold the reins​” mean to take control and wield power, respectively. So yes, it is correct to say that a monarch takes the reins at the start of her reign 🤷‍♀️

“Reins” is correct in these idioms because they ​originate​ from horse management. Similarly, the phrase is free rein, as it also comes from horseback riding, meaning the reins on a horse are held loosely so that the horse can move around as it pleases.

So you've probably figured it out by now, but just in case, here's the answer key to the sentences at the start of the newsletter:

✅ A monarch takes the reins at the start of her reign.

❌ He had free reign to develop new strategies.

✅ After more than a decade on the job, she knew how to hold the reins during times of chaos.

We're almost done reviewing the closest quizzes of 2025. Is there one you'd like us to add to the list? Hit reply and let us know.

❤ Team Stylebot

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