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
Automakers are using advances in vehicle technology to monopolize the repair ecosystem, placing systems and data needed for repairs under lock and key and shutting out any competition.
—
Dwayne Myers, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
The monthly jobs report has long been closely guarded within the BLS, with early copies held in safes under lock and key to prevent any leaks or early dissemination.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
After unsuccessful appeals, Hoffa would spend more than four years under lock and key.
—Don Gonyea, NPR, 30 July 2025
But keeping a potential sale under lock and key can have its drawbacks.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for under lock and key
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Dwayne Myers, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2025
The monthly jobs report has long been closely guarded within the BLS, with early copies held in safes under lock and key to prevent any leaks or early dissemination.
—Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025
After unsuccessful appeals, Hoffa would spend more than four years under lock and key.
—Don Gonyea, NPR, 30 July 2025
But keeping a potential sale under lock and key can have its drawbacks.
—Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 2 July 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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