under lock and key . under lock and key {adv. phr.} Secured; locked up; well protected. Dad keeps all his valuables under lock and key. Categories: add yours {adv. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2025 » In RussianTo section: U Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry