in check

Idioms and Phrases

Restrained from moving or acting; under control. For example, The first division held the enemy in check , or Mary kept her emotions in check . This term replaced at check and out of check , which date from the mid-1500s.

Related Words

• discreet
• laid-back
• mild
• muted
• reasonable
• reticent
• subdued
• tasteful
• unobtrusive