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
Many on Wall Street view Warsh as an inflation hawk, someone who prefers higher rates to keep a lid on prices.
—
Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
Fruit flies will still find rotten food thrown in the trash and drink cans that still contain liquid, so keep a lid on the bins for extra protection.
—Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
But City did keep a lid on things.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Democrats and Republicans recently have been making moves to keep a lid on prices of everyday goods, including gasoline and electricity, if not lower them.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for keep a lid on
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Matt Egan, CNN Money, 2 Feb. 2026
Fruit flies will still find rotten food thrown in the trash and drink cans that still contain liquid, so keep a lid on the bins for extra protection.
—Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2026
But City did keep a lid on things.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026
Democrats and Republicans recently have been making moves to keep a lid on prices of everyday goods, including gasoline and electricity, if not lower them.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 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 14 Feb. 2026.
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