put a lid on (something)

To keep the level of something from increasing drastically or beyond what is undesirable or dangerous. They were one of the few countries in the EU able to put a lid on unemployment during the recession. The dictator has put a tight lid on protests and public criticism of the government.

put a lid on it

informal To stop talking and be quiet. Usually used as an imperative. Put a lid on it, you two! I don't want to hear any more for the rest of the drive to Grandma's house.

See also: lid, on, put

See also:

References in periodicals archive

"I'm not prepared to put a lid on it. It's for that very reason that I brought up the possibility of not doing the record because I didn't want people to think that."

SHOW BLITZ: Not the end for Moloko

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