pull the reins in on something

present singular third person pulls the reins in on something · participle present pulling the reins in on something · participle past pulled the reins in on something · past pulled the reins in on something

1. To restrict, curtail, curb; to slow down or reduce.

   1989 July 24, Compnies still backing the efforts of net managers, editorial in Network World, page 28, It's anyone's guess whether Union Carbide Industrial Gases will ever pull the reins in on network projects in the face of slow business.

   2 more examples

   The tendency will be to take smaller steps when your legs cross and larger steps when your legs uncross. Pull the reins in on the uncross and extend assertively on the cross over.

   2006, Chris Previc, The Student's Guide to Marching, page 115

   In theory, high unemployment should temper inflation, as consumers pull the reins in on spending and prices come down.

   2009, Steve McKee, When Growth Stalls: How it Happens, Why You're Stuck, and What to Do about it, page 102