Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

under lock and key

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.39 in modern English

Syllables: un-der- lock- and key
IPA

30

Scrabble Score

15

Letters

4

Syllables

11

Unique Chars

Meaning

prep_phrase

Imprisoned with little or no chance of escape; locked up.

British usage; American usage

prep_phrase

Safely guarded; locked away.

British usage; American usage

Example Sentences

"If it was him we can have him under lock and key in 24 hours."
"It is the policy of the organization to keep unused check supplies safeguarded under lock and key."

Usage

British usage
American usage

Questions

What does under lock and key mean?: Imprisoned with little or no chance of escape; locked up.

How to pronounce under lock and key

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