If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins

**yellowribbon** · 21-Sep-2012, 11:44

"If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins" Is the meaning still there if you quote only "let reason hold the reins"?
Thanks.

**Raymott** · 22-Sep-2012, 02:39

Originally Posted by yellowribbon

"If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins" Is the meaning still there if you quote only "let reason hold the reins"?
Thanks.

No. Why should the meaning stay the same if you delete half the sentence, especially when it's a conditional clause you're leaving off?

**yellowribbon** · 22-Sep-2012, 08:14

"let reason hold the reins". Could it be meant that "reason is the key, not the reins of power" ?
Thanks.

**Raymott** · 22-Sep-2012, 13:30

Originally Posted by yellowribbon

"let reason hold the reins". Could it be meant that "reason is the key, not the reins of power" ?
Thanks.

It's a metaphor. The rider holds the reins of a horse. It means "Let reason be in control."

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