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put a lid on

idiom

1
: to stop (something) from growing or becoming worse
These changes are intended to put a lid on rising medical costs.
2
informal : to stop doing or saying (something)
He angrily told them to put a lid on their complaints.
I'm tired of listening to your complaints, so just put a lid on it!
3
: to cause the end or failure of (something)
The government used the army to put a lid on the rebellion.

Examples of put 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.
However, the drug is still undergoing trials and has put a lid on the stock; even its recent beat-and-raise quarter wasn’t enough for investors. Morgan Chittum,paulina Likos, CNBC, 13 Nov. 2025 During times of rising inflation, the Fed often hikes rates to put a lid on rising prices. Steve Kopack, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2025 But stronger sales tend to put a lid on attractive promotional rates. Susan Tompor, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025 But stronger sales tend to put a lid on attractive promotional rates. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for put a lid on

Cite this Entry

“Put a lid on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20a%20lid%20on. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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