1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To bind someone to a fixed contract or agreement from which they cannot easily withdraw.
"The two-year deal locked the company into paying a minimum monthly fee regardless of usage."
inseparable
lock into
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To bind or commit someone firmly to a particular position, contract, or course of action.
In plain English
To fix someone into a situation, agreement, or position that is hard to get out of.
What does "lock into" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To become fixed or settled in a particular position, mindset, or repetitive pattern.
"After years of the same routine, she felt locked into a life she hadn't consciously chosen."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To engage in an intense, sustained struggle or confrontation.
"The two teams were locked into a fierce battle for first place in the final weeks of the season."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fit into a locked position, like a key turning — 'into' implies entering and becoming fixed within something.
Actually means
To fix someone into a situation, agreement, or position that is hard to get out of.
Usage tip
Often used in passive constructions: 'locked into a contract', 'locked into a position'. Common in business, finance, and military/sports contexts. Can also be used for mental states ('locked into a routine').
Words that pair with "lock into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
contract position cycle routine battle agreement
How to conjugate "lock into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lock into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
locks into
he/she/it
Past simple
locked into
yesterday
Past participle
locked into
have + pp
-ing form
locking into
continuous
Hear "lock into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lock into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "lock into"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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