# put a lid on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-a-lid-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To get under control, to prevent (something) from increasing or becoming more of a problem.

## Examples

- We need to put a lid on these rising costs.
- The manager decided to put a lid on the office gossip before it caused any real trouble.
- The government struggled to put a lid on the escalating inflation, despite implementing several strict fiscal policies to stabilize the national economy.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.