ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put the genie back in the bottle

idiom
Meaning

To revert a situation; to put things back as they were before something (usually an unwelcome thing) became a reality.


Examples
SIMPLE

Once the secret is out, you cannot put the genie back in the bottle.

CONTEXTUAL

The internet changed how we share information, and now it is impossible to put the genie back in the bottle.

COMPLEX

After the revolutionary technology was released to the public, the company realized they could never put the genie back in the bottle.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  3. 03

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  4. 04

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  5. 05

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  6. 06

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  7. 07

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  8. 08

    back off

    To become less aggressive, particularly when one had appeared committed to act.

Last updated April 17, 2026