THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Keep a lid on
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To control something so that it does not increase or get out of control.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- We reused the display boards to keep a lid on costs.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
We reused the display boards to ________ costs.
Show the answer
Keep a lid on — To control something so that it does not increase or get out of control.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Keep a lid on” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To control something so that it does not increase or get out of control.
Compare: We reused the display boards to keep a lid on costs.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use it conversationally for controlling costs, emotions or another rising pressure. It suits workplace and everyday discussion.
More examples in context
- She tried to keep a lid on her frustration during the delay.
- The club needs to keep a lid on spending until the next membership payments arrive.
Usage note
Follow on with what you are controlling. “Keep the lid on” is a useful variation. This meaning is figurative; it does not require a container.
A short conversation
A: Can we order custom signs for every table?
B: We need to keep a lid on costs. Could we print simple signs ourselves?
A: Yes, that should be enough.
One more practice question
What does keeping a lid on spending involve?
A. Increasing it without any limit or review.
B. Controlling it so it does not rise beyond the intended level.
Check your answer
B. The idiom describes restraint or control of an increase.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.