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general::
Phrase(s): *a lid on something
1. Lit. a cover on something, such as a pot, pan, etc. (*Typically: get ~; keep ~; put ~.) • Keep the lid on the pot until the stew is almost done. • Put the lid on the skillet for just a little while. 2. Fig. a scheme to suppress a scandalous or embarrassing situation and keep it secret. (*Typically: get ~; keep ~; put ~.) • We can’t keep the lid on this any longer. The press has got wind of it.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs