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
Our troops east of the Euphrates River paired with our SDF partners are there to keep a lid on ISIS and prevent violent extremist organizations from gathering strength and being able to attack the homeland of the United States.
—
ABC News, 8 Dec. 2024
And the release showed that despite their best efforts, top Republicans could not keep a lid on the report.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024
In cases where a central bank isn't independent, officials may succeed in pressuring a central bank to keep a lid on rates.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2025
Cunha’s bizarre actions in removing the glasses from the face of an Ipswich staff member in what turned out to be O’Neil’s final game in charge hinted at a player unable to keep a lid on his emotions and his body language since returning from his two-match ban has been less than ideal.
—Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for keep a lid on
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ABC News, 8 Dec. 2024
And the release showed that despite their best efforts, top Republicans could not keep a lid on the report.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024
In cases where a central bank isn't independent, officials may succeed in pressuring a central bank to keep a lid on rates.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 Jan. 2025
Cunha’s bizarre actions in removing the glasses from the face of an Ipswich staff member in what turned out to be O’Neil’s final game in charge hinted at a player unable to keep a lid on his emotions and his body language since returning from his two-match ban has been less than ideal.
—Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 19 Mar. 2025.
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