Differences between lark about and lock up

Lark it up means to enjoy oneself by doing something fun or entertaining, while lock up means to secure a building or space by locking the doors or gates.

Meanings and Definitions: lark about vs lock up

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Lark about

1Behave in a silly way.
The children made me angry because they were LARKING ABOUT.

Lock up

1Close all doors, windows, etc..
She LOCKED UP after everyone had left and went home.
2Lock something in a safe place.
I LOCKED my money UP in the safe.
3Put in prison or a mental hospital.
They LOCKED him UP for burglary.

Usage Examples: lark about, lock up in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

lark about

Example

The children were larking about in the park.

Example

He always larks about during class and distracts the other students.

lock up

Example

Please lock up the office before you leave.

Example

She always locks up the house before going to bed.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lark about

have a blast

To have a great time doing something enjoyable or exciting.

Example

We had a blast at the amusement park yesterday. The rollercoaster was amazing!

let loose

To relax and have fun without worrying about rules or restrictions.

Example

After a stressful week at work, she decided to let loose and dance all night at the club.

enjoy oneself

To have a good time doing something pleasurable or entertaining.

Example

At the beach, we enjoyed ourselves by playing volleyball, swimming, and sunbathing.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Lock up

secure the premises

To make sure that a building or space is safe and protected by locking the doors, windows, or gates.

Example

Before leaving the office, make sure to secure the premises by locking all the doors and turning off the lights.

close up shop

To finish work and lock up a business or store for the day.

Example

At 9 pm, the manager asked the employees to close up shop and go home.

shut down

To close a building or facility and stop its operations temporarily or permanently.

Example

Due to the pandemic, many restaurants and bars were forced to shut down and lay off their staff.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “lark”

Phrasal Verbs with “lock”

Phrasal Verbs with “about”

Phrasal Verbs with “up”

Differences in lark about vs lock up: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: lark about or lock up?

In daily conversation, people use lock up more often than lark it up. This is because lock up is used for more practical purposes such as securing a house or car. Lark it up is not used as much, and when it is, it's usually in a more informal setting.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of lark about and lock up

Lock up is a more formal phrase that is commonly used in business or legal contexts. It is suitable for formal interactions with colleagues, clients, or authorities. On the other hand, lark it up is an informal phrase that is more appropriate for casual conversations with friends or family.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of lark about and lock up

The tone of lark it up and lock up can differ based on context. Lark it up often carries a playful or enthusiastic tone when related to having fun or enjoying oneself, while lock up typically has a serious and cautious tone, especially when referring to securing a property or space.

lark about & lock up: Synonyms and Antonyms

Lark about

Synonyms

frolic
cavort
fool around
mess around
play around
act silly
horse around
clown around

Antonyms

behave
focus
concentrate
act seriously
work diligently
pay attention

Lock up

Synonyms

Antonyms