# locked up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/locked-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Imprisoned, incarcerated.

## Examples

- The thief was locked up for stealing a car.
- After the judge heard all the evidence, he ordered the criminal to be locked up for five years.
- Following the discovery of his extensive financial crimes, the former executive was finally locked up in a high-security facility.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.