The phrase "kept lid on" refers to an action or effort to restrain, control, or contain a situation, usually with the aim of maintaining order or preventing it from escalating. The term "lid" metaphorically represents a covering or seal that is used to contain or suppress something volatile or explosive.
In essence, keeping a lid on something involves exerting control or authority to prevent or limit the release, disclosure, or eruption of an unfavorable or undesirable circumstance, fact, or event. It implies the act of managing or restraining a potentially chaotic or troublesome situation.
This idiom is often used when talking about situations where tensions, emotions, or conflicts are intense, and measures are taken to prevent an outburst or escalation. It suggests an effective or successful action, strategy, or policy implemented by an individual, group, or organization to maintain peace, stability, or secrecy.
For example, a company experiencing financial challenges may "keep a lid on" the situation by carefully managing the information shared with employees and stakeholders in order to prevent panic or negative consequences. Similarly, a government might restrict access to information or impose strict media guidelines to "keep a lid on" a sensitive issue or potential political unrest.
Overall, "kept lid on" illustrates the ability to control or suppress a situation to a manageable level, quite like keeping a cover or seal on a container to prevent its contents from spilling or becoming uncontrollable.
