lock through
C1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words
To move a boat through a special gate system on a canal that raises or lowers the water level.
Literal meaning: To pass through by means of a lock (a water-level-controlling gate system).
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To move a boat through a canal lock, raising or lowering it to match the water level on the other side.
"It took about twenty minutes to lock through at Foxton before we could continue down the canal."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 neutral
To allow a vessel to pass through a lock (said from the perspective of the lock operator).
"The lock keeper locked us through quickly because there were no other boats waiting."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily a nautical/canal term used in British English among boating enthusiasts and waterway professionals. Rarely encountered outside this specific context.
Commonly used with
boat barge canal vessel narrowboat waterway
Forms
Base
lock through
I/you/we/they
3rd person
locks through
he/she/it
Past simple
locked through
yesterday
Past participle
locked through
have + pp
-ing form
locking through
continuous
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