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3. take the lid off

take the lid off

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take the lid off (of) something

 and take the lid off 

1. Lit. to remove the lid from something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) I took the lid off the box and set it aside. Karen took off the lid.

2. Fig. to reveal a set of previously concealed problems. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) You took the lid off this mess. You straighten it out! You took off the lid, so you have to settle it.

See also: lid, off, take