“Lock, Stock and Barrel” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

You may be familiar with the idiomatic term ‘lock, stock and barrel.’ But what does this term mean? We will take a look at the meaning of the phrase as well as looking at how we can use it in a conversation. We will also look at where the term came from in the first place.

“Lock, Stock and Barrel” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “lock, stock, and barrel” refers to the entirety of something, including all its parts or aspects. It originates from the components of a gun: the lock (the firing mechanism), the stock (the handle), and the barrel (the tube through which the bullet travels).
Lock, Stock and Barrel
Lock, Stock and Barrel – Created by 7ESL

“Lock, Stock and Barrel” Meaning

The phrase “lock, stock, and barrel” means to include everything or to encompass all parts of something. It conveys the idea of completeness, often referring to a situation or a collection of items as a whole.

Examples:

  • “When they bought the old farmhouse, they got it lock, stock, and barrel, including all the furniture and tools.”
  • “The team is committed to the project lock, stock, and barrel, ensuring every detail is covered.”

Origin of This Idiom

The expression originates from the components of a firearm: the lock (the firing mechanism), the stock (the part of the gun held by the shooter), and the barrel (the tube through which the bullet is fired). Each part is essential for the gun to function, and the phrase emerged in the 19th century to signify the entirety of an object or situation.

Usage of “Lock, Stock and Barrel”

  • In a business context:

“When they moved to the new office, they brought everything with them—lock, stock, and barrel.”

  • Talking about a complete change:

“She decided to leave her old life behind, moving to another city with her belongings packed up—lock, stock, and barrel.”

  • In a discussion about a project:

“The team committed to the initiative, agreeing to invest all their resources into it—lock, stock, and barrel.”

  • During a conversation about a purchase:

“He bought the old farmhouse, including all the furniture and fixtures—lock, stock, and barrel.”

Related Terms to “Lock, Stock and Barrel”

  • Whole nine yards – an expression meaning everything; the entirety of something.
  • All in – a phrase indicating total commitment or inclusion of everything.
  • Complete package – referring to something that includes all necessary parts or components.
  • Everything but the kitchen sink – an idiom meaning almost everything is included, emphasizing thoroughness.
  • From top to bottom – indicating a comprehensive or thorough examination or inclusion of all aspects.
  • All-inclusive – a term that signifies everything is included, often used in contexts like travel or services.
  • The works – referring to everything available or included, especially in a certain context.
  • All of the above – used to indicate that all mentioned items or aspects are included.
  • Total package – implying that something includes all necessary features or components.
  • Entirety – the whole or total amount of something, emphasizing completeness.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other ways in which you can say the term ‘lock stock and barrel’ using different wording.

Here are some examples of other things you could say.

  • The works
  • Whole enchilada

“Lock, Stock and Barrel” Examples

Examples in Statements

This is a statement made by a student to his teacher.

This statement is made by an advertisement for an event.

  • ‘If you want to see something that has everything to do with farming, we have it all here, lock stock and barrel.’

Other examples:

  • We had to move our things lock, stock and barrel to the other side of the country.
  • He sold the business lock, stock and barrel.
  • They dug up their New Jersey garden and moved it lock, stock and barrel back home.

Conversation Examples

The term ‘lock stock and barrel’ may be heard in many different conversations. Here are some examples of how it might look.

The first is a conversation between two friends.

  • Person 1: “Did you bring all the camping equipment that I asked you for?”
  • Person 2: “It is all in this bag, lock stock and barrel.’

This is a conversation which is taking place between two relatives.

  • Person 1: “If we are going to throw this party we are going to need a lot of things.”
  • Person 2: “What will we need?”
  • Person 1: “Decorations, drinks, food, costumes and music.”
  • Person 2: “I have all of those lock stock and barrel in my garage.”
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