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What does “im Zaum halten” mean in German?

The speaker is talking about health costs and a possible sugar tax. He says politicians think short-term: “wie können wir jetzt irgendwie die Ausgaben bisschen im Zaum halten” — how can we somehow keep spending a bit under control. “Im Zaum halten” means to hold something back so it does not grow or get out of hand. You can use it for money, feelings, prices, or a crowd.

Spoken line: “wie können wir jetzt irgendwie die Ausgaben bisschen im Zaum halten” — how can we somehow keep spending a bit under control. “Zaum” is the strap that goes on a horse’s head to steer it, so the picture is of holding the reins. You use “im Zaum halten” when something could grow or get out of hand and you want to stop that. Examples: “Wir müssen die Kosten im Zaum halten” (we have to keep the costs under control). “Halt deine Wut im Zaum” (keep your anger in check). “Die Polizei konnte die Menge kaum im Zaum halten” (the police could barely keep the crowd under control). It comes up often with money, feelings, or numbers that you do not want to rise too far.