LOCK IN

What Does Lock In Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

Lock In means "to commit to something" or "to concentrate."

More Details

Commit to Something

The phrase "lock in" means to firmly commit to something, such as a plan, decision, or agreement. When you "lock in" a choice, you're confirming it as final and declaring it won't change. It is used widely in both formal and informal English. For example:

• Can we lock in a time for next week's meeting?

• The new president seems to be pretty locked in on that "Agenda 2025" that he claimed to have nothing to do with.

• Sam and I are engaged. We're locked in for life!

• I'm staying in all this week. I'm locking in for the big test next Monday.

• We've got everything ready and locked in for Saturday night.

Concentrate

"Lock in" also means to focus intensely on a task or goal, eliminating distractions to give something your full attention. It's often used in high-pressure situations, like sports, studies, or work, to emphasize the need for concentration. There is often considerable overlap between this and the other meaning. For example:

• Lee is completely up for this game. She is totally locked in.

• I'm never going to smoke again, and this time I mean it. I am 100% locked in!

• I need to lock in for the exam on Friday.

Image for Lock In

There is often overlap between both meanings of "lock in."

Summary of Key Points

Lock In
Definition:	Commit to Something
Type:	Word
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Lock In
Definition:	Concentrate
Type:	Word
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Lock In

• to break in.
• to catch up.
• to blow up.

Most phrasal verbs are two words, but three-word ones are also common. For example:

• to put up with.
• to go out with.
• to check up on.

Example of Lock In Used in a Text

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