Keep/hold somebody/something in check phrase
If someone "keeps/holds somebody/something in check", he/she takes control of somebody/something that might cause damage or harm.
You are mature enough to keep your emotions in check.
She has held her eating habit in check for years to keep fit.
People all over the world hope that the disease will be kept in check soon.
The verbs "keep" and "hold" should be conjugated according to their tense.
To long for something/ to do something
I'm itching to go to a tranquil place of quiet beauty.