control one's emotions · keep feelings hidden
Ever felt like you're about to explode with frustration or excitement, but you absolutely CAN'T? 🤯 Maybe you're in a serious meeting, or trying not to spoil a surprise. This idiom is your go-to when you need to prevent strong feelings from showing. Imagine a boiling pot; you put a lid on it to stop it from overflowing. That's exactly what you're doing with your emotions!
When would you most appropriately use 'to keep a lid on it'? A. 🥳 When you're celebrating your best friend's birthday at a lively party. B. 😠 When you're feeling incredibly annoyed by a colleague but need to remain professional in a team meeting. C. 😂 When you're sharing a hilariously embarrassing story with your close friends.
💡 **Helpful Hint!** While 'to keep a lid on it' is great for temporary composure, remember it's usually about controlling strong emotions like anger, frustration, or even overwhelming sadness. It implies a conscious effort to prevent an emotional outburst. Sometimes, it can also mean keeping a secret, but in the context of emotions, it's all about self-control. Don't bottle up everything forever, though!