Is 'lid' used as a verb?

Yes, but it's less common. It means 'to provide or cover with a lid' (e.g., 'lid the containers').

What's the difference between a 'lid' and a 'cap'?

A 'lid' typically covers a larger, broader opening (pot, box, eye). A 'cap' is for smaller, often cylindrical openings (bottle, pen).

Can 'lid' refer to anything other than a container cover?

Yes. It can mean 'eyelid'. Figuratively, it means a restraint ('put a lid on gossip'). Informally, it's slang for a hat.

Is the figurative use of 'lid' formal or informal?

It is neutral to informal. Idioms like 'blow the lid off' are common in journalism and everyday speech, but less so in very formal writing.

lid

UK/lɪd/US/lɪd/

Neutral

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A removable or hinged cover for the top of a container.

An eyelid; a restraint or limit (figurative); slang for a hat.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Primarily a concrete noun for a physical cover. Figurative uses ('put a lid on spending') are common. Slang for 'hat' is informal.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minimal. Both use 'lid' for container covers and figuratively. Slang for 'hat' is slightly more common in US informal speech.

Connotations

Similar in both varieties. Figurative use ('blow the lid off') implies revealing secrets.

Frequency

Equally common in everyday speech in both UK and US.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

put ontake offtight-fittingscrew-toppot

medium

flip themetalplasticglass jarkeep a lid on

weak

loosebrokenmissingcontainerbox

Grammar

Valency Patterns

put a lid on [something]take the lid off [something][something] has a lid

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

cover

Neutral

covertopcap

Weak

stopperplug

Vocabulary

Antonyms

basebottom

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“blow the lid off something”
“put a lid on it”
“flip your lid”
“keep a lid on something”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Figurative: 'Management tried to keep a lid on the scandal.'

Academic

Rare; may appear in descriptions of archaeological finds (e.g., 'the lid of a sarcophagus').

Everyday

Very common: 'Can you put the lid back on the milk?'

Technical

Specific types: 'pressure cooker lid', 'valve cover lid' in engineering.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

We need to lid these containers before shipping.

American English

They decided to lid the debate and move to a vote.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The lid is on the box.
Please take the lid off the pan.

I can't find the lid for this jar.
She gently closed the lid of her laptop.

The investigation blew the lid off the corruption scandal.
He flipped his lid when he saw the mess.

The government's new policy is an attempt to put a lid on rising social unrest.
The intricate lid of the antique snuff box was inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

LID fits on a container like an eyelid fits on an EYE.

Conceptual Metaphor

CONTROL IS A LID (e.g., 'keep a lid on inflation').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid confusing with 'крышка' for 'cap' on a pen (which is a 'cap'). 'Lid' is typically for broader openings like pots, boxes, or eyes.

Common Mistakes

Using 'lid' for a bottle cap (use 'cap' or 'stopper').
Incorrect plural: 'lids' (correct), not 'lidden'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the soup boils, remember to put the back on the pot.

Multiple Choice

In the idiom 'blow the lid off', what does 'lid' metaphorically represent?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, but it's less common. It means 'to provide or cover with a lid' (e.g., 'lid the containers').
: A 'lid' typically covers a larger, broader opening (pot, box, eye). A 'cap' is for smaller, often cylindrical openings (bottle, pen).
: Yes. It can mean 'eyelid'. Figuratively, it means a restraint ('put a lid on gossip'). Informally, it's slang for a hat.
: It is neutral to informal. Idioms like 'blow the lid off' are common in journalism and everyday speech, but less so in very formal writing.

Explore

Related Words

cap roof