To call a lid means to indicate that there will be no more news coming out of the White House or a political campaign for a given period of time. It is a signal to those in the news media that there will be no additional press briefings or photo opportunities. A lid can be called at any time of the day and is an important signal for journalists, photographers, and other members of the press corps who need to know whether they will need to cover any more events that day. Once a lid is called, reporters know that they will not miss any significant happenings by leaving the White House premises or turning their attention to other stories. However, calling a lid does not necessarily mean that the President’s workday is over or that no more newsworthy events will happen that day. The President may still have private meetings, phone calls, or other activities that are not open to the press. Additionally, a lid is not an absolute guarantee: in rare circumstances, the lid may be “lifted” if there is a significant event or development.