LOCK IN Meaning and
Definition
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Lock in is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of finalizing or committing to a particular decision, plan, or course of action, with limited or no option to change or back out. It implies a sense of being bound or trapped in a specific situation or commitment. The term is often used in various contexts, including business, finance, relationships, and agreements.
In the business realm, lock in commonly occurs when parties secure a specific price or terms for a particular product or service, preventing any modifications or alterations after a certain point. For example, a company might lock in a fixed interest rate for a loan, ensuring that the rate cannot change throughout the loan term.
Furthermore, lock in can also indicate a sense of being physically confined or restricted. In this context, it can refer to mechanisms or devices used to secure something tightly or prevent unwanted access. For instance, a door lock is used to prevent unauthorized entry into a room or building.
Additionally, the term can be used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone is committed or obligated to fulfill a certain obligation or task, often with limited flexibility or alternatives. This can occur in personal relationships, agreements, or even personal goals. For instance, an individual might feel locked into a long-term contract or locked into a cycle of unhealthy habits.
Overall, lock in represents the idea of being firmly and irreversibly committed or restricted in a certain decision, plan, or situation, typically with restricted flexibility to make changes or back out.
Common Misspellings for LOCK IN
- lockin
- pock in
- oock in
- lkck in
- llck in
- lpck in
- l0ck in
- l9ck in
- loxk in
- lovk in
- lofk in
- lodk in
- locj in
- locm in
- locl in
- loco in
- loci in
- lock un
- lock jn
- lock kn
Etymology of LOCK IN
The phrase "lock in" can have a couple of different etymological origins, depending on the context in which it is used.
1. In the sense of "locking someone in" or "being locked in": The origin of this phrase comes from the verb "to lock", which can be traced back to Old English "locian" and Middle English "loken". It originally referred to the act of fastening or securing something by means of a lock. Over time, the phrase "to lock in" came to be used metaphorically to describe the action of confining or containing someone or something within a particular space.
2. In the sense of "lock in a decision" or "lock in a price": The usage of "lock in" in this context originates from the concept of securing or guaranteeing something. The term is derived from locks or fastenings used to secure or make something fixed in place.
Idioms with the word LOCK IN
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lock in sth
The idiom "lock in something" refers to the act of securing or finalizing a decision, plan, or agreement, making it difficult or impossible to change or alter. It means to commit or bind oneself to a particular course of action or outcome.
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lock in on sm or sth
"Lock in on someone or something" typically means to focus or concentrate unwaveringly on someone or something, often to the exclusion of all other distractions. It implies a sense of intense attention and determination.
Similar spelling words for LOCK IN
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