手綱

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 手綱 (たづな) is a noun for a horse's reins or, figuratively, control over an organization or situation.
• Basic usage: It describes a rider pulling the reins or an owner tightening managerial control.
  • 騎手は馬の手綱をゆっくり引いた。 — The rider slowly pulled on the horse's reins.
  • 店の経営が乱れないよう、店主が手綱を締めた。 — The owner tightened control to keep the store's management on track.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal reins and figurative control
  • 手綱を引く can describe pulling actual reins, while 手綱を締める can figuratively mean strengthening management or control.