Phrasal verb
lock into
Definition
phrasal verb. to commit to a plan, contract, or price so that you cannot easily change it later.
phrasal verb. to bind a person or entity to a specific course of action, agreement, or financial arrangement, typically making it difficult to withdraw or alter the terms. The verb is frequently used reflexively or in the passive voice to describe contractual obligations.
Examples
“You should lock into this low interest rate before it changes.”
“The mobile phone provider tried to lock me into a two-year contract that was very expensive to cancel.”
“Investors are often hesitant to lock themselves into long-term capital commitments during periods of extreme market volatility.”
Examples
simple
“You should lock into this low interest rate before it changes.”
contextual
“The mobile phone provider tried to lock me into a two-year contract that was very expensive to cancel.”
complex
“Investors are often hesitant to lock themselves into long-term capital commitments during periods of extreme market volatility.”
Usage
Often followed by a noun representing a contract, a rate, or a specific period of time.
Teaching tip
Focus on the 'trap' metaphor; it implies that once the decision is made, the person is 'locked' inside that choice like a room.
Pitfall
The contract locks us into pay a monthly fee.
The contract locks us into paying a monthly fee.
The preposition 'into' must be followed by a noun or a gerund, not the base form of a verb.
Phrasal verb
Particles
into
Separability
optional
Pattern
lock + (object) + into + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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