Usage Note
Rêne is almost always used in the plural: les rênes are the straps used to control a horse. Figuratively, tenir les rênes means 'to hold the reins' of power or an organization. The homophone reine (queen) is spelled differently — a common spelling trap for French learners.
Examples
"Elle tenait fermement les rênes de son cheval."
Natural Translation
She held her horse's reins firmly.
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