T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

lock, stock and barrel

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) entirely

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

lock, stock and barrel means completely, entirely.

Origin of the phrase

The effective portions of a gun (or more specifically a musket) are the lock (used to hold ready the sparking mechanism), the stock (the portion held), and the barrel (the aiming guide and conveyor for the explosive-driven projectile). Collectively they are the whole weapon, and therefore everything.

French translation

en bloc, tel quel, clés en mains, la totale

How NOT to translate

le cran, la crosse et le barillet or even le verrou, le bétail et le tonneau

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Examples in context

‘A Phony Gun Control Measure

A “parts” ban, as has been proved over and over again, does three things very well. First, it creates a growing demand for the existing, pre-ban parts (and their related guns). Then, it spurs a huge effort to redesign replacement parts to circumvent the ban, which also sell like gangbusters (the “bump stock” itself was created to sneak around a machine-gun ban).

Lastly, it allows pro-gun legislators to appear to be taking protective measures, without actually doing so. Parts bans do not work. If we want to reduce these types of massacres in the future, we need a total ban on civilian ownership of assault weapons — lock, bump stock and barrel.’

The New York Times, 5 Oct. 2017

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Everyday usage

We have heard from across the way that the Americans are moving lock, stock, and barrel with great energy, investment and enthusiasm in this direction.

Some buy a second home, others plan to move to Crete "lock, stock and barrel" whilst more and more consider retiring to a small island.

Much to his wife’s surprise, he cleaned out the basement, lock, stock, and barrel.

b) ambiguously

Sorry, I’m afraid it’s the wrong answer. Please try again.

c) drunkenly

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.


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