Our writing would read much better if only we would curb the misuse of rein vs. reign!

Rein refers to the strap used to control a horse, and so from that, if someone wishes to restrain something (and that usually will require an effort on your part), it would be reined in, or if you wish to loosen your hold, you might give it free rein. To wit: Laura realized she had to rein in her expenses or soon would be broke.

Reign refers to the rule of a king or dictator over a country: Hitler’s reign lasted 12 years.

Hopefully the era of misusing of these two words has now come to an end!