locking in
Finalizing a choice
Locking in means securing or finalizing something so it can't change.
You lock in a price, rate, or deal to protect against future fluctuation: We locked in a 3% mortgage before rates climbed.
In gaming and internet slang, locking in describes intense focus on a task: I'm locking in to finish this project tonight.
The phrase suggests commitment—once locked in, you're not backing out.
- keepingHolding in custody
- path dependencePast decisions constrain future options
- holdingMaintaining physical possession
- habitSettled regular tendency
- network effectsValue increasing with participation
latch · dead bolt · legacy systems · sunk costs · routine · dependency · bolt · monopoly · fixation · dedication · exclusivity · entrenchment · resolve · contract · golden handcuffs · signed sealed delivered · determination · digging in
- reservingbooking, holding, scheduling, earmarking, setting aside
- scheduling actionsbooking, reserving, rescheduling, canceling, confirming
- formalizingformalizing, institutionalizing, officializing, establishing, codifying
locking inkeeping options open
Preserving future choices
backing out · hedging · pulling out · withdrawing · canceling
locking inletting out
Allowing to escape
releasing · unlocking · freeing · opening up · freeing up
locking indisengaging
Releasing from attachment
unlocking · releasing · disconnecting · uncoupling · detaching
lock, locking, locked, locks, locker, lockable, unlock, unlocked, unlocking