| inf., n.amer. |
to have complete control over someone or something, or exclusive access to acquire something (Greg may think he has a lock on the promotion, but I'm determined to prove him wrong.  thefreedictionary.com); have an unbreakable hold or total control over (Lock is here used in the sense of a hold in wrestling that prevents an opponent from moving a limb: He would sooner see the whole bank go down the drain…than get beaten by us. Unless we develop an even better lock on him—and that won't be easy. thefreedictionary.com); to be assured of (something: He appears to have a lock on the nomination for governor. merriam-webster.com) |
