hold (someone or something) in check

hold (someone or something) in check

To limit or restrain someone or something. We need to come up with provisions to hold the new director in check—otherwise, he'll totally dismantle our department.See also: check, hold

keep/hold somebody/something in ˈcheck

control somebody/something: The disease is kept in check with drugs. ♢ It was difficult to hold their enthusiasm in check.See also: check, hold, keep, somebody, something