Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak. I’m Feifei.
Neil And hello, I’m Neil. Phwa! What is that smell?
Feifei Rob’s homemade cooking.
Neil Rob cooks?!
Feifei Yes, he does. But it doesn’t taste very nice.
NeilSo why do you have to eat it – and why do have to make the studio stink of it?
FeifeiWell, I don’t want to offend him. He keeps giving me his homemade food and asking me for some honest feedback. And I just tell him ‘it’s interesting, unique, special’.
Neil Oh Feifei, you need to keep a lid on it.
Feifei Well, if you think that’ll stop the smell, I will.
Neil That’s not what I meant, although it’s a good idea. If you ‘keep a lid on something’ it means to keep something under control – to stop the situation getting worse.
Feifei OK, Neil!
Neil Here are some examples of this phrase in action.
Examples I couldn’t keep a lid on my feelings about the rota so I shouted at the boss!
With rising food prices, it’s hard to keep a lid on how much I spend at the supermarket.
Feifei This is The English We Speak from BBC Learning English and we’re looking at the phrase ’to keep a lid on something’ which means to keep something under control and to stop the situation from getting worse. But this isn’t the only meaning, is it?
Neil No. If you keep a lid on something, it can also mean you keep something secret. Like this…
**Example
**I’ve heard that Daisy is expecting a baby – but keep a lid on it until it’s official!
Feifei OK Neil, you’re telling me to keep a lid on things by telling Rob to stop giving me his homemade food?
Neil Yes – unless his cooking is amazing.
Feifei It’s not.
Neil Right, well tell him you’re on a diet or you’ve become vegan and that should stop him. And I will keep your little lie a secret.
Feifei You mean, you’ll keep a lid on it?
NeilExactly. But in the meantime, could you actually keep a lid on that box of food please? It stinks!
FeifeiOK. Right, I’m off to speak to Rob. Bye.
** Neil** Remember to be firm and say what you mean.
Rob Hi, Neil. Feifei doesn’t seem to want this delicious food I made. Would you like it?
Neil Err… go on then. Looks lovely. Bye.