keep a lid on

idiom

1
: to keep (something secret) from being known
She tried to keep a lid on the news.
2
: to control (something) : to keep (something) from becoming worse
The government has been unable to keep a lid on inflation.

Examples of keep a lid on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In other words, the Fed is signaling that interest rates will have to remain higher for longer to keep a lid on the pace of price increases. Rob Wile, NBC News, 18 Dec. 2024 The highwater mark of political control over inflation was probably during WWII when the Office of Price Administration was put in charge of setting and enforcing price controls to keep a lid on wartime inflation. Kevin Coldiron, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 During the inflation crisis, the company wielded its size and savvy to keep a lid on prices — and now that inflation is back to normal, the retailer is still winning over shoppers who are seeking out affordable groceries and sharp general merchandise. Nathan Bomey, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024 But for now the markets appear to be bracing for muted prices, a situation that should keep a lid on gas prices. Matt Egan, CNN, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for keep a lid on 

Dictionary Entries Near keep a lid on

Cite this Entry

“Keep a lid on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20a%20lid%20on. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!