Take the lid off Meaning in English

expression

US

TAYK thuh LID awf

UK

TAYK thuh LID of

Definition

To remove the cover from something, literally like taking the lid off a jar. It can also mean revealing something that was hidden, such as a secret or information.

Usage & Nuances

Used both literally (removing an actual lid) and figuratively (revealing hidden things or secrets). Common in informal and journalistic contexts when talking about uncovering scandals. Often used with 'of' or 'on' — 'take the lid off the scandal.' Not to be confused with 'spill the beans' or 'let the cat out of the bag,' which only have the figurative meaning.

• Spanish: destapar - revelar (un secreto)
• Portuguese (BR): tirar a tampa - revelar (um segredo)
• Portuguese (PT): tirar a tampa - revelar (um segredo)
• Chinese (Simplified): 打开盖子 - 揭露（秘密）
• Chinese (Traditional): 打開蓋子 - 揭露（祕密）
• Hindi: ढक्कन हटाना - पर्दाफाश करना (राज़)
• Arabic: إزالة الغطاء - الكشف عن (سر)
• Bengali: ঢাকনা তুলে ফেলা - গোপন কিছু ফাঁস করা
• Russian: крышку снять - раскрыть (секрет, скрытое)
• Japanese: ふたを取る - 秘密を明かす
• Vietnamese: mở nắp ra - tiết lộ (bí mật, sự thật)
• Korean: 뚜껑을 열다 - 비밀을 밝히다
• Turkish: kapağı kaldırmak - açığa çıkarmak (gizli bir şeyi)
• Urdu: ڈھکن ہٹا دینا - راز سے پردہ اٹھانا
• Indonesian: membuka tutup - membongkar (rahasia, informasi tersembunyi)

Example Sentences

Please take the lid off the pot before serving.

basic

He forgot to take the lid off the jar.

basic

Could you take the lid off this can for me?

basic

The journalist decided to take the lid off the corruption scandal.

natural

The new book really takes the lid off what goes on behind the scenes.

natural

Social media can sometimes take the lid off issues that used to be hidden.

natural