draw in the reins
1. Literally, to pull in the reins of a bridled animal, especially a horse, to slow it down or bring it to a stop. Mary drew in the reins as she approached town, bringing her horse to a saunter.
2. By extension, to slow something down or bring it to a stop. During the economic boom, our company was making as many risky investments as we could find. Luckily, our CEO had the sense to draw in the reins on such recklessness before the economy crashed.
draw (one's) last breath
To die; to fail or cease to be. After our parents drew their last breath, my four siblings and I had to decide what to do with their property. You may be in charge now, but after you've drawn your last breath, it will be me in charge. Many fear that the computing giant may be drawing its last breath.
draw stumps
1. In cricket, to call an end of gameplay for the day, as by removing the stumps (part of the wicket) from the ground. As the umpire draws stumps for the day, India has beaten England by 133 runs.
2. By extension, to cease doing something or bring something to an end. In spite of the biting scandal, the footballer said he would not be drawing stumps on his international career. This has gotten horribly boring, let's draw stumps and go home.
draw a line
To set a (figurative) boundary, indicating what one is not willing or able to do. I'm prepared to do some cosmetic fixes on our new home, but I draw a line at major renovation. Aunt Peggy was fine with us setting her up on a date, but she drew a line at letting us create an online dating profile.
draw in (one's) horns
To act more cautiously than one did before. I just got this quarter's budget report, and we definitely need to draw in our horns and spend less going forward.
draw near to
To get close to someone or something, either literally or figuratively. You need to draw near to your family in this time of tragedy. Come on, son, draw near to the wall so you can see exactly where to put in the nail.
draw (one)self up
1. To stand up straight, as tall as one can. I know you feel self-conscious about being so much taller than everyone else, but please, try to draw yourself up for the group photo.
2. To stand up straight in a show of indignation. After Andrew made those rude comments about me, I drew myself up and stormed out of the office.
draw lots
To decide something by picking an item, often a slip of paper, at random. Let's draw lots to decide who will go first—it's the only fair way to do it.