expression, ichidan verb
open the lid; lift the lid
Literal physical action of opening a lid, cover, or cap.
Antonyms: 蓋を閉める
鍋の蓋を開けると、いい匂いがした。
When I opened the lid of the pot, a nice smell came out.
expression, ichidan verb
Idiomatic use: to bring something hidden into the open, to begin an event or process, or to finally see the results. Often implies that the real situation becomes clear after the 'lid' is removed.
蓋を開けてみたら、意外な事実がわかった。
When we opened the lid, we discovered an unexpected truth.
新企画の蓋を開ける時が来た。
The time has come to launch the new project.
蓋を開けてみると、結果は予想以上だった。
When we looked at the results, they were better than expected.
expression, ichidan verb
Idiomatic use for the opening of a theater, performance, or similar event. Less common than other idiomatic senses.
新しい劇場が来月蓋を開ける。
The new theater will open next month.