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Phrase(s): keep (someone or something) within bounds
Fig. to cause someone or something to remain constrained or be reasonable; to cause someone to act or something to be in good taste. • I know you want artistic freedom, but if you want an audience, you are going to have to keep within bounds. • Try to keep the children within bounds. • Do keep your behavior within bounds.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs