Crossword Genius

Rule that holds George initially in check (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reign

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'rule that holds' is the definition.
'reign' can be an answer for 'rule' (reign is a kind of rule). I am unsure of the rest of the definition.

'george initially in check' is the wordplay.
'initially' suggests taking the first letters.
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'check' becomes 'rein' (both can mean to control or limit).
The first letter of 'george' is 'g'.
'g' put inside 'rein' is 'REIGN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reign that I've seen before include "Monarch's time in the job" , "Hold sway, rule" , "Sovereignty" , "Rule - dominate" , "are unbeatable!" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app