After the briefing, everyone was locked in and ready to start.
The team stayed locked in during the final quarter of the game.
He remains locked in on his research despite setbacks.
She is locked in on her training for the marathon.
The gamers were locked in for hours, chasing the high score.
Similar words
focused
absorbed
committed
concentrated
engrossed
dedicated
determined
immersed
Meanings
Fully focused and committed
everyday
informal
To be completely absorbed in a task or goal, showing intense concentration and firm commitment.
Examples
She is locked in on her training for the marathon.
The team stayed locked in during the final quarter of the game.
After the briefing, everyone was locked in and ready to start.
He remains locked in on his research despite setbacks.
The gamers were locked in for hours, chasing the high score.
She feels locked in with her new project and can’t wait to begin.
When the deadline approaches, the whole office gets locked in.
Similar words
focused
committed
dedicated
engrossed
absorbed
immersed
concentrated
determined
Etymology
FAQ
What does locked in mean?
It means being completely absorbed in a task or goal, showing intense focus and commitment.
Can locked in be used for a literal locked door?
No, the idiom refers to mental focus, not physical locking.
Is locked in formal or informal?
It is informal and common in slang, especially in sports and gaming contexts.
How is locked in used in sports?
Players say they are locked in when they are fully focused on the game or a specific play.
Can I say I'm locked in on a project?
Yes, that expresses strong commitment and concentration on the project.
What is the origin of locked in?
The phrase combines the verb lock, meaning to secure, with in to indicate a state of being secured, and grew popular in early‑2000s sports and gaming slang.
Is locked in similar to locked and loaded?
Both are slang for readiness, but locked in emphasizes focus, while locked and loaded stresses preparedness for action.
Comments & contributions
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