I have received the report of that rage and that pride of yours, and now I will put a hook through your nose and a bit in your mouth, and take you back by the same road you came."

Don't be stupid like a horse or a mule, which must be controlled with a bit and bridle to make it submit."

We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want.