Meaning
To take control of a situation.
Cultural Background
The horse is a symbol of nobility and power in Italian history. Idioms involving horses often carry a sense of 'high-stakes' leadership. During the Palio di Siena, the 'fantino' (jockey) is the ultimate example of someone who must 'prendere le redini' of a wild horse to win for his district. Italian companies are often family-owned. 'Prendere le redini' is the standard way to describe the 'passaggio generazionale' (generational hand-over) from father to son/daughter. The metaphor dates back to Roman chariot racing. The 'auriga' (charioteer) was the one who literally held the reins of the empire's entertainment.
Use 'In Mano'
Add 'in mano' (in hand) to sound even more native: 'Prendere le redini in mano'.
Plural Only
Never say 'la redine' unless you are literally talking about one single strap of a horse's harness.
Meaning
To take control of a situation.
Use 'In Mano'
Add 'in mano' (in hand) to sound even more native: 'Prendere le redini in mano'.
Plural Only
Never say 'la redine' unless you are literally talking about one single strap of a horse's harness.
Political Context
You will see this in every Italian newspaper during an election. It's the 'go-to' phrase for journalists.
Verb Choice
Use 'prendere' for the start of leadership, and 'tenere' for the continuation of leadership.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Dopo che il capo se n'è andato, Marco ha dovuto ______ le redini dell'ufficio.
After 'ha dovuto' (had to), we need the infinitive form of the verb.
Which preposition is correct?
Voglio prendere le redini ___ mia vita.
The idiom 'prendere le redini' is followed by the preposition 'di' + article.
Match the sentence to the context.
Match: 'Il nuovo allenatore ha preso le redini della squadra.'
'Squadra' means team, which fits the sports context.
What would a leader say in this situation?
Situazione: Il progetto è in ritardo e nessuno sa cosa fare. Tu dici: 'Non preoccupatevi, ______.'
You are volunteering to take charge, so you use the first person singular.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Leadership Metaphors
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDopo che il capo se n'è andato, Marco ha dovuto ______ le redini dell'ufficio.
After 'ha dovuto' (had to), we need the infinitive form of the verb.
Voglio prendere le redini ___ mia vita.
The idiom 'prendere le redini' is followed by the preposition 'di' + article.
Match: 'Il nuovo allenatore ha preso le redini della squadra.'
'Squadra' means team, which fits the sports context.
Situazione: Il progetto è in ritardo e nessuno sa cosa fare. Tu dici: 'Non preoccupatevi, ______.'
You are volunteering to take charge, so you use the first person singular.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your friends.
No, for a car you use 'mettersi al volante'. 'Redini' is strictly for horses or metaphorical leadership.
The opposite is 'mollare le redini' (to let go) or 'perdere le redini' (to lose control).
Yes, 'prendere redini' without 'le' sounds incomplete and incorrect.
It's better to say 'prendere le redini della mia vita'.
Yes, it is one of the most common business idioms in Italian.
It's a more forceful, formal version of 'prendere le redini'.
Usually no. It's for situations that require 'steering' or 'guidance' over time.
Yes, 'la redine' (singular) and 'le redini' (plural) are feminine.
Generally positive, as it implies taking responsibility and showing leadership.
Related Phrases
tenere le redini
similarTo keep/hold the reins
mollare le redini
contrastTo let go of the reins
mettersi alla guida
synonymTo put oneself at the wheel
impugnare le redini
specialized formTo grasp the reins firmly
essere al comando
similarTo be in command
