under lock and key
idiom
: in a room, box, etc., that is locked
The jewels are kept under lock and key.
The prisoner is being kept/held under lock and key.
Examples of under lock and key in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Stories of retail theft and organized crime are widespread across California, forcing brick-and-mortar stores to put everyday items like toothpaste under lock and key.
—
Roger Niello, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
And analysts say putting merchandise under lock and key isn’t a long-term solution.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
Character details are being kept under lock and key.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
With expectations came even more pressure to keep plot details under lock and key, especially in regards to wanting season 2 spoilers.
—Dory Jackson, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under lock and key
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Roger Niello, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
And analysts say putting merchandise under lock and key isn’t a long-term solution.
—Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 22 Jan. 2025
Character details are being kept under lock and key.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Feb. 2025
With expectations came even more pressure to keep plot details under lock and key, especially in regards to wanting season 2 spoilers.
—Dory Jackson, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for under lock and key
Cite this Entry
“Under lock and key.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/under%20lock%20and%20key. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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