lock in

lock (someone or an animal) (up) in (something) and lock (someone or an animal) up

to fasten the opening to something so someone, a group, or an animal cannot get out. Take Chuck and lock him up in the cell. Lock up the killer and throw away the key!

See also: lock

lock something in

to make something, such as a rate of interest, permanent over a period of time. You should try to lock in a high percentage rate on your bonds. We locked in a very low rate on our mortgage.

See also: lock

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lock in something also lock into something

to be unable to change a condition A large percentage of these groups remain locked in poverty. The two countries are locked in a dispute over the islands off the northern coast.

See also: lock