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Definitions

keep the lid on

VERB
gag
Synonyms
STRONGEST
choke constrain muzzle suppress
STRONG
balk cork curb deaden demur garrote muffle obstruct quiet repress restrain shy squash squelch stifle still stumble throttle tongue-tie
WEAK
bottle up cork up put the lid on shut down tape up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
free let go release
STRONG
aid allow assist encourage help
VERB
limit
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bar curb define hinder inhibit lessen narrow reduce set specify
STRONG
appoint assign bound cap check circumscribe constrict contract cork cramp delimit delimitate demarcate fix prescribe ration restrain
WEAK
bottle up draw the line hem in
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid allow assist encourage expand extend help increase permit raise strengthen
STRONG
free let go liberate open release
WEAK
unbound

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But analysts have raised their bets on the central bank hiking borrowing costs as soon as next month in a bid to keep the lid on an expected surge in consumer prices.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

Google are already exploring how to keep the lid on the extra costs that doing so will add.

From Reuters • Apr. 5, 2023

But an outburst at a news conference Tuesday showed the country is struggling to stage-manage the global event and keep the lid on domestic controversies.

From Washington Post • Nov. 8, 2022

“That is our situation. We’re trying to keep the lid on the pressure cooker and this lady comes and offers us James Brown,” Caldwood said.

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2022

“But keep the lid on the shoe box.”

From "Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures" by Kate DiCamillo