The phrase "under lock and key" means that something is securely locked away and cannot be accessed without permission. It is pronounced /ˈʌndər lɒk ən kiː/ and spelt as "under" (ʌndər), "lock" (lɒk), "and" (ənd), "key" (kiː). The first word of the phrase is pronounced with a short "u" sound, while the second word is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The final word, "key," is spelled with a long "e" sound and a silent "e." This phrase is commonly used to refer to valuable or sensitive items that are kept safe and secure.
Under lock and key is an idiom that refers to the act of keeping something securely locked away or guarded in order to prevent access by unauthorized individuals or to protect it from potential harm or theft. The phrase essentially conveys the idea of strict security measures being put in place to ensure the safety or privacy of a particular item or location.
When something is under lock and key, it implies that it is being safeguarded with the highest level of protection, typically through the use of locks and keys. This expression can be applied to a wide range of scenarios, such as valuable possessions, confidential documents, sensitive information, personal belongings, or even people. The intention is to restrict any form of entry or tampering by individuals who lack the appropriate authorization.
The image conjured by this idiom is that of a physical barrier created by locking mechanisms, making it virtually impossible for anyone without the appropriate key or combination to gain access. The idiom has a long history and has become deeply entrenched in the English language, emphasizing the idea of security, privacy, and restricted access. In a figurative sense, it can also be used to illustrate the protection or confinement of secrets, emotions, or personal aspects of one's life that are kept away from public knowledge. Overall, under lock and key suggests a high level of security measures put in place to ensure the safety, privacy, and integrity of something valuable or confidential.