'To keep within bounds' definitions:

Definition of 'To keep within bounds'

From: GCIDE

Bound \Bound\ (bound), n. [OE. bounde, bunne, OF. bonne, bonde, bodne, F. borne, fr. LL. bodina, bodena, bonna; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. Arm. bonn boundary, limit, and boden, bod, a tuft or cluster of trees, by which a boundary or limit could be marked. Cf. Bourne.] The external or limiting line, either real or imaginary, of any object or space; that which limits or restrains, or within which something is limited or restrained; limit; confine; extent; boundary. [1913 Webster]
He hath compassed the waters with bounds. --Job xxvi. 10. [1913 Webster]
On earth's remotest bounds. --Campbell. [1913 Webster]
And mete the bounds of hate and love. --Tennyson. [1913 Webster]
To keep within bounds, not to exceed or pass beyond assigned limits; to act with propriety or discretion. [1913 Webster]
Syn: See Boundary. [1913 Webster]