# Words one can get confused

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-one-can-get-confused/971772>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [September 18, 2022, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-one-can-get-confused/971772 "2022-09-18T20:10:31Z")\
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**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\
**Post date:** [November 18, 2022, 1:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/words-one-can-get-confused/971772/186 "2022-11-18T13:09:52Z")

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> [@ZonexandScout](#):
>
> we need to talk about “ **rein** ” and “ **reign**.” It seems like I can’t go a day without seeing something like, “He’s out of control and needs to reign himself in.”

Both involve control; but “reign” = “rule” (like a king or queen), while reins are what you use to control a horse. So if you allow a horse (or, idiomatically, anyone) the freedom to go where/how it wants, you give it **free rein**. “Free reign” is a mistake, though it’s one that goes back at least as far as 1896:

> **['Free Rein' or 'Free Reign'?](https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/usage-free-rein-vs-free-reign)**
>
> The phrase does not make you king or queen for the day.

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