Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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

Sometimes England need to keep the lid on.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2024

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

From Reuters • Apr. 5, 2023

Further efforts were required after that: As late as 1989, Volcker’s successor, Alan Greenspan, raised the short-term interest rate to almost 10 percent to keep the lid on prices.

From Washington Post • Jul. 15, 2022

“But keep the lid on the shoe box.”

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