Lock, Stock and Barrel Idiom, Usage With Examples

The ‘Lock, Stock and Barrel’ idiom refers to the usage of firearms, which consists of three main components; the Lock, which ignites the gunpowder in the barrel; the Stock, which proves the grip or handle of the firearm; and the Barrel, through which the bullet is fired when the gunpowder ignites. 

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Usage With Examples

For example, ‘he bought a lock, stock and barrel business.’ This means that he has acquired the entire business, including all its assets, liabilities and equipment. This expression implies the idea of total ownership and comprehensiveness.

Here are some more examples of this idiom which will allow you to have a proper understanding of this phrase.

• ‘After years of savings, they finally moved to their new apartment with lock, stock and barrel.’
• ‘His physician recommended to adopt a healthier lifestyle and exercise regularly so that he can transform his habits lock, stock and barrel.’
• ‘He embraced his new educational journey lock, stock and barrel after pursuing a new full-time course.’
• ‘The new Police Commissioner has promised peace and stability in the entire city as he is determined to transform the city’s law and order situation lock, stock and barrel.’

Lock, Stock and Barrel Synonyms

The phrase ‘lock, stock and barrel’ has a lot of similar words and synonyms that can be used in different contexts and aspects of life. Here are some of the common similar words to this phrase that you can consider.

• Hook, line and sinker
• Every nook and cranny
• Totally and completely
• Root and branch
• Whole nine yards

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Lock Stock and Barrel Quiz

The IT team’s technological change lock, stock and barrel will

1. Bring upgrades in software systems and the working of computers.
2. Affect everyone’s health
3. Not be beneficial to anyone.

Ans. Bring upgrades in software systems and the working of computers.

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This was all about the lock, stock and barrel idiom with examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.