lock on to: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “lock on to” mean?
To focus or direct one's attention, aim, or tracking onto a specific target with precision and determination.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To focus or direct one's attention, aim, or tracking onto a specific target with precision and determination.
Used literally to describe targeting systems (radar, missiles) fixing onto a target, and figuratively to describe intense mental focus, attraction, or attachment to an idea, person, or goal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use it identically. Spelling of related words differs: 'focus' vs 'focused/focussed'.
Connotations
Identical connotations of precision, intentionality, and persistence.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US English due to prevalence in military and business jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “lock on to” in a Sentence
[Subject] lock(s) on to [Target Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lock on to” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The submarine's sonar locked on to the freighter.
- She has a knack for locking on to the most profitable trends.
American English
- The fighter jet locked on to the enemy target.
- Investors quickly locked on to the startup's potential.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The marketing team needs to lock on to the needs of Gen Z consumers."
Academic
"The researcher managed to lock on to a key pattern in the data."
Everyday
"As soon as he walked in, her eyes locked on to him."
Technical
"The guided missile locked on to the aircraft's heat signature."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lock on to”
- Using 'lock on' without 'to' when an object follows (incorrect: 'The missile locked on the plane.'). Confusing with 'lock onto' (no space) which is an alternative spelling.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'lock onto' is a common variant, especially in technical writing. 'Lock on to' (separate) is also correct and often preferred in formal contexts.
Absolutely. While common in military contexts, it is neutral. You can lock on to a great opportunity, a brilliant idea, or a loved one's face in a crowd.
They are very close synonyms. 'Lock on to' emphasizes the moment of precise acquisition and subsequent hold. 'Home in on' emphasizes the process of moving towards and finding the target.
No, it is not separable. The object must always come after the entire phrase 'lock on to'. You cannot say 'He locked the target on'.
To focus or direct one's attention, aim, or tracking onto a specific target with precision and determination.
Lock on to is usually informal, technical, business in register.
Lock on to: in British English it is pronounced /lɒk ɒn tuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɑːk ɑːn tuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lock on like a heat-seeking missile.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a padLOCK snapping ONTO a hasp, or a radar screen 'locking' a circle ONTO a blip.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION/INTEREST IS A MECHANICAL FASTENER (clamp, lock). FOCUS IS AIMING (targeting system).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'lock on to' CORRECTLY?