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
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
In addition, coordinated efforts may be needed to help free up supplies and keep a lid on prices, say some industry executives.
—Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
There are many factors helping to keep a lid on inflation, including the persistence of budget surpluses and the persistence of currency controls.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for keep a lid on 
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.
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
In addition, coordinated efforts may be needed to help free up supplies and keep a lid on prices, say some industry executives.
—Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Jan. 2025
There are many factors helping to keep a lid on inflation, including the persistence of budget surpluses and the persistence of currency controls.
—Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
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 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share