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

Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images Ample global inventories and stockpiles have historically acted as a crucial buffer to keep a lid on oil prices during previous crises. — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

As millions struggle to keep a lid on bubbling panic, the family of Margaret Mattic must cope with the challenge of laying a soul to rest. — Nicole Avery Nichols, Freep.com, 11 Sep. 2026

The use of ultra-negative, restrictive tactics can keep a lid on even the most yawning of mismatches. — Beren Cross, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Dozens of nations agreed this year to release 400 million barrels to keep a lid on prices in the early months of the war. — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for keep a lid on

• agamemnon
• automaton
• diencephalon
• panopticon
• phenomenon
• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon