bridle
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bridle
A part of a horse's tack that is placed over the horse's head and used to steer and control it.
Der Reiter legte dem Pferd vorsichtig den Zaum an, bevor er aufstieg.
The rider carefully put the bridle on the horse before mounting.
'Der Zaum' (the bridle) is closely related to the verb 'zäumen' (to bridle), which means to put a bridle on a horse. The noun therefore describes the tool used for the action of the verb.
Bevor wir ausreiten, müssen wir die Pferde zäumen.
Before we go riding, we have to bridle the horses.
In the literal context with horses, 'der Zaum' (the bridle) is often used with the verbs 'anlegen' (to put on), 'abnehmen' (to take off), or 'führen' (to lead). You also say that you hold the 'Zügel' (reins, a part of the bridle) in your hand.
Der Bauer führte das Pferd am Zaum über den Hof.
The farmer led the horse by the bridle across the yard.
You can almost always recognize the figurative meaning by the fixed expression 'im Zaum halten' (to keep in check). Without this expression, 'der Zaum' (the bridle) usually refers literally to horse tack.
Es ist wichtig, die öffentlichen Ausgaben im Zaum zu halten.
It is important to keep public spending in check.
The expression 'im Zaum halten' (to keep in check) is often used for abstract things such as feelings, behaviors, or financial matters. Typical examples are: 'seine Wut im Zaum halten' (to keep one's anger in check), 'seine Neugier im Zaum halten' (to keep one's curiosity in check), 'die Kosten im Zaum halten' (to keep costs in check), or 'die Inflation im Zaum halten' (to keep inflation in check).
Sie versuchte, ihre Aufregung vor der Prüfung im Zaum zu halten.
She tried to keep her excitement before the exam in check.
to check / control
'kontrollieren' and 'im Zaum halten' can both mean that you control something and do not let it get out of control. 'kontrollieren' is more general and more neutral. You can control feelings, behavior, expenses, or also a situation. 'im Zaum halten' is a fixed expression and sounds more figurative. It fits especially when something is strong and has to be held back, for example anger, fear, or costs. The expression comes from 'der Zaum' (the bridle) on a horse, but in everyday language it usually does not refer to horse equipment, but to restraining or moderating something.
Nach der teuren Reise müssen wir unsere Ausgaben im Zaum halten.
After the expensive trip, we need to keep our expenses in check.
Omar hat bei der Arbeit seine Wut kontrolliert und ruhig geantwortet.
Omar controlled his anger at work and answered calmly.