keep (someone or something) under (one's) control

keep (someone or something) under (one's) control

1. To assume a position of power over a person, group, or thing. The terms of the treaty keep our country under the king's control. I think you'll have a hard time keeping the department under your control—they're very loyal to their old boss.2. To have power over someone or something so as to limit their or its potential negative effects. In this usage, a pronoun is not used between "under" and "control." Thankfully, the teacher was able to keep all the kids under control during the evacuation.See also: control, keep

bring/get/keep something under conˈtrol

succeed in dealing with something so that it does not cause any harm: It took two hours to bring the fire under control. ♢ Please keep your dog under control!See also: bring, control, get, keep, something