Usage Note
Laisse is the leash or lead used to walk a dog. The phrase tenir en laisse ('to keep on a leash') is used both literally and figuratively to mean keeping someone under tight control. Note that laisse is also the third-person singular of laisser ('to let/leave'), so context is essential.
Examples
"Tiens le chien en laisse."
Natural Translation
Keep the dog on the leash.
Literal Translation
Hold the dog in leash
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
7 min read