The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word REIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
E
I
N
More clues leading to the result REIN
- Control for horses and half of antlered deer
- King, white, finally in check
- Means to control extremes of rage at home
- Control shower when speaking
- Engineers at home making check
- Check on content of wine
- Good to abandon one form of control for another
- Check about bar closing earlier than usual
- Strap that goes on a bit
- They say command and control
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Strap that goes on a bit" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case strap that goes on a bit = rein.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does REIN mean?
REIN noun- A strap or rope attached to a bridle or bit, used to control a horse, animal or young child.
- An instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing.
- To direct or stop a horse by using reins.
- To restrain; to control; to check.
- To obey directions given with the reins.
- (chiefly in plural) A kidney.
- The inward impulses; the affections and passions, formerly supposed to be located in the area of the kidneys.