double-lock
C1Formal / Technical
Definition
Meaning
To lock a door, window, or container twice, typically by using two separate locks or a two-step locking mechanism (e.g., turning a key in the lock and then a deadbolt).
To secure something exceptionally thoroughly, often with redundant or multiple safety measures. Can be used metaphorically to describe taking extra precautions to ensure something is fixed or finalized.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb. Often implies a higher degree of security than simply 'locking'. It suggests a deliberate, two-stage action. In metaphorical use, it can mean to make something definitively secure or unchangeable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept and term are understood in both varieties. UK usage may be slightly more common in formal property contexts, while US usage often appears in technical manuals (e.g., for safes, car doors).
Connotations
Neutral to slightly formal, connoting thoroughness and extra security.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in everyday conversation but recognized in specific contexts like security, property management, and law.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + double-lock + [Direct Object] (e.g., She double-locked the cabinet.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Double-lock your lips (rare, humorous): To keep a secret very carefully.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to securing premises or sensitive documents.
Academic
Rare; might appear in security studies or forensic science texts.
Everyday
Used when giving or receiving instructions for home security.
Technical
Common in locksmithing, safe-cracking, and high-security hardware manuals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Before leaving the holiday cottage, ensure you double-lock the front door.
- The solicitor advised them to double-lock the will in the bank's deposit box.
American English
- The new car model automatically double-locks the doors once you start driving.
- The contract is double-locked with non-disclosure clauses.
adjective
British English
- The estate agent highlighted the property's double-lock security system.
- It was a double-lock mechanism requiring two separate keys.
American English
- The apartment features double-lock deadbolts on all exterior doors.
- They opted for a double-lock filing cabinet for the confidential records.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please double-lock the garage when you leave.
- After the break-in, we were advised to double-lock all windows and install an alarm.
- The negotiators double-locked the agreement with a binding arbitration clause.
- The treaty's terms were double-locked through ratification by both national parliaments and an international court.
- Forensic evidence must be double-locked in the chain of custody to be admissible.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DOUBLE-decker bus; you need to lock both levels (steps) to make it secure.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS LAYERING / PRECAUTION IS REDUNDANCY.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'запереть на два оборота' (turn the key twice), which describes the action, while 'double-lock' focuses on the result of using two distinct locks or mechanisms.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'double lock' as a noun to mean a type of lock (correct noun is 'double lock' or 'twin lock'). Incorrect: 'I installed a double-lock on my door.' Better: 'I installed a double lock on my door.' or 'I double-lock my door every night.']
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what does it mean to 'double-lock' a business deal?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Lock' is the general action. 'Double-lock' specifically means to lock twice, either by using two distinct locks (e.g., a Yale lock and a deadbolt) or by engaging a two-step mechanism on a single lock for enhanced security.
It is not common in casual daily conversation but is standard and well-understood in contexts related to security, property, law, and technical instructions.
Yes, but typically as an open compound ('double lock') or hyphenated when used attributively before a noun (double-lock mechanism). The verb form is more frequently hyphenated.
No. It refers to the action of securing with two distinct locking actions or mechanisms. This could involve one key used twice (e.g., in some car locks), a key and a combination, or two separate locks.