put the lid on

idiom

1
: to bring an end to (something)
The new official vowed that he would put the lid on violence once and for all.
2
chiefly British : to spoil (plans)
The rain has really put the lid on our holiday plans.

Examples of put the lid on in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once pan is hot, add the mussels and wine and put the lid on. Rebekah Evans, theweek, 19 Sep. 2024 Let stand until cool, then put the lid on and put the jar in the fridge. Melissa Gray, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2023

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Cite this Entry

“Put the lid on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/put%20the%20lid%20on. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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