keep a lid on

phrase

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.
Small protests like these have been cropping up across Delhi in recent weeks as the government struggles to keep a lid on a growing youth movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). — Aakash Hassan, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct. 2026 While tanker crossings through the strait are still well below pre-war levels, a restoration in Saudi Arabia’s pipeline exports has helped restore flows and keep a lid on oil prices. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 The central bank lifted its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 5% in August to keep a lid on the runaway inflation. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 The school falls back on procedure to keep a lid on things, and a school violence review committee wraps up without a firm finding. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for keep a lid on

Rhymes for keep a lid on

See All Rhymes for keep a lid on

Browse Nearby Words

keep a level head
keep a lid on
keep an eagle eye on
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Cite this Entry

“Keep a lid on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20a%20lid%20on. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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