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in check
/ɪn tʃɛk/
under control
She kept her emotions in check during the difficult meeting.
She managed to control her emotions during the difficult meeting.
general
Under control or restrained
The manager ensured that the project was in check before the deadline.
The manager made sure the project was under control before the deadline.
He tried to keep his temper in check when the argument escalated.
He attempted to control his anger when the argument became heated.
Often used to describe managing emotions, situations, or processes to prevent them from becoming unmanageable.
Collocations
keep in checkto maintain control over somethinghold in checkto restrain or limit something
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'in check' when describing something that is being managed or controlled effectively, such as emotions, processes, or situations.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
While useful, avoid overusing 'in check' in formal writing; opt for synonyms like 'under control' or 'managed' for variety.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the game of chess, where pieces are 'in check' when they are under threat of being captured. Over time, it has been extended to mean being under control or restraint in general contexts.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe situations where something is being managed or controlled effectively.
Word Breakdown
in
within or under
prepositioncheck
control or restraint
nounEnglish Dictionary