Choose the word that best defines the given phrase or idiomatic expression. The phrase is "to hold something in leash", which is used metaphorically in English.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of an idiomatic phrase. Literally, a leash is a strap or cord used to control an animal, usually a dog. The expression "to hold something in leash" extends this idea metaphorically to describe keeping something under control or restraint. You must choose the option that best captures this figurative meaning in everyday English.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The phrase is "to hold something in leash".
We assume a figurative usage: not necessarily about animals, but about emotions, powers, or actions being controlled.

The correct meaning must express control or restraint rather than release or removal.

The options include to restrain, to disappoint, to dismiss, to discourage, and to set free.

Concept / Approach:
When you literally hold an animal in leash, you prevent it from running freely or acting as it wishes. Metaphorically, holding something in leash means keeping that thing (such as anger, spending, or power) within limits. Thus, to restrain is the most accurate simple description: to hold back, control, or limit. To disappoint, dismiss, or discourage do not involve the idea of active control by physical or metaphorical means, and to set free is the opposite of what a leash does.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Picture the literal image: a dog on a leash being held by its owner to prevent it from running away or attacking. Step 2: Translate this into figurative language: to keep something under control, not permitting it to act freely. Step 3: Option A To restrain fits perfectly, as it means to hold back or limit someone or something. Step 4: Option B To disappoint means to fail to satisfy expectations, which has nothing to do with control using a leash. Step 5: Option C To dismiss means to send someone away or remove them from employment, not to hold or restrain. Step 6: Option D To discourage means to lower someone's confidence or enthusiasm, which is not the same as physically or firmly restraining. Step 7: Option E To set free is actually the opposite of putting on a leash; it means letting go of control.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the phrase in an example sentence: "A good leader knows when to hold his anger in leash." Here it clearly means keeping anger under control. If we substitute "restrain his anger" or "keep his anger in check", the meaning remains clear. But if we say "disappoint his anger", "dismiss his anger", or "discourage his anger", the expressions either sound unnatural or change the meaning. Saying "set his anger free" would produce the opposite effect. This confirms that "to restrain" is the correct paraphrase.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B To disappoint describes an emotional effect on another person, not the act of controlling something.
Option C To dismiss relates to sending someone away or treating something as unimportant, not to holding it back.
Option D To discourage lowers motivation but does not necessarily involve restricting behaviour directly.
Option E To set free reverses the basic idea of a leash, which is to limit freedom, making it the opposite meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse phrases that suggest limiting motivation (discourage) with phrases that indicate direct control (restrain). However, idioms involving physical images such as leash, chain, or reins usually refer to direct control or restraint rather than emotional impact. When you see such phrases, think first of restrict, control, or hold back as possible meanings rather than disappoint or discourage.

Final Answer:
The phrase "to hold something in leash" means to restrain it.