lock in

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Explanation of "Lock In"

Definition:
The phrase "lock in" generally means to secure something in a way that it cannot be removed or changed easily. It can refer to physically locking something away, or it can also mean making a decision that is hard to change later.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb: "lock in" is used to describe the action of securing something or someone.
• It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Examples:

1. Physical context: "She locked her jewels in the safe."
   (This means she put her valuable items in a safe place where they cannot be taken out easily.)

2. Metaphorical context: "The company locked in a deal with the supplier."
   (This means the company made an agreement that is difficult to change.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Lock in" can also refer to securing a price, interest rate, or agreement for a future date. For example, "I want to lock in my mortgage rate before it increases."

Word Variants:

• Locked in (adjective): This describes a situation where something is secured. For example, "I have a locked-in price for my contract."
• Locking in (gerund): The act of securing something, as in "Locking in a time for the meeting is important."

Different Meanings:

1. Literal meaning: Securing something so it cannot be accessed, like locking a door.
2. Figurative meaning: Making a decision or agreement that cannot easily be changed, such as locking in a plan or strategy.

Synonyms:

• Secure
• Fasten
• Confine
• Enclose
• Cement (in a metaphorical sense)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Lock someone in: To confine someone to a place (usually used in a negative context).

  • Example: "The parents locked their daughter in her room for the weekend."

• Lock in a price: To secure a specific price for a product or service, often used in finance and business.

  • Example: "If you buy now, you can lock in this price for the next year."

Summary:

"Lock in" is a versatile phrase used to describe securing something physically or making a decision that is hard to change. It can apply in many contexts, from everyday life to business agreements.

Academic

Verb

1. place in a place where something cannot be removed or someone cannot escape
   • The parents locked her daughter up for the weekend
   • She locked her jewels in the safe
2. close with or as if with a tight seal
   • This vacuum pack locks in the flavor!

Synonyms

• lock away
• lock
• put away
• shut up
• shut away
• lock up
• seal in