What does the phrasal verb “lock in” mean?

What are the definitions of “lock in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Lock a place to stop someone leaving.

  They LOCKED him IN the room until he had calmed down.

• 2. Commit someone in such a way that they cannot leave.

  They are LOCKED IN now that they have paid their subscription.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “lock in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb lock in is to secure a place or object so that someone or something cannot leave or escape. For example, it can mean locking a door to prevent someone from leaving a room or securing a commitment from someone so they cannot change their mind.

What are the different verb forms of “lock in”?

Root Verb	lock in
Third Person Singular Present	locks in
Present Participle	locking in
Simple Past	locked in
Past Participle	locked in

Example

Please lock in the valuables before leaving the house.

Example

She locks in her bike every night to prevent theft.

Example

He is locking in the doors and windows before going to bed.

Example

Yesterday, they locked in the contract with the new supplier.

Example

The agreement has been locked in and cannot be changed.

What kind of phrasal verb is “lock in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“lock in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

She locked in the contract with the new supplier.

Example

He locked the door in to prevent anyone from leaving.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“lock in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

She locked in the contract with the new supplier.

Example

He locked the door in to prevent anyone from leaving.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “lock in”?

Lock in a price

To secure a specific price for a product or service, usually for a limited time.

Example

We locked in the price for our vacation package before it increased.

Lock in a rate

To secure a specific interest rate for a loan or investment, usually for a limited time.

Example

They locked in a low mortgage rate before the interest rates went up.

Lock in a deal

To finalize an agreement or contract, making it difficult or impossible to change.

Example

The two companies locked in the deal after months of negotiation.

Good things to know

Does “lock in” have an informal or formal tone?

Lock in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business negotiations or legal discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “lock in”?

Synonyms

• secure
• fasten
• seal
• confine
• restrict
• trap
• enclose
• commit
• bind

Antonyms

• unlock
• release
• free
• open
• unfasten
• unbind
• uncommit
• let go