Crossword Genius

Use restraint and act a little less like an autocrat (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rein

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

'use restraint' is the definition.
'rein' can be an answer for 'restraint' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'use' bit.

'and act a little less like an autocrat' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is present in the answer.
'an' could be 'i' (Roman numeral for one) and 'i' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 're' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rein that I've seen before include "Restraint; strap attached to horse's bit" , "given free to experienced riders?" , "Restraining lead" , "Long strap to restrain" , "Controlling strap" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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