Lock, Stock and Barrel
Meaning
“Lock, stock and barrel” means everything, including every part or detail. It is used when someone takes, buys, moves, or deals with something as a complete package rather than selecting only certain parts.
The expression comes from firearms terminology: the lock, stock, and barrel were three major parts of an old gun. Saying you have something “lock, stock and barrel” therefore suggests that you have the whole thing, from one end to the other.
Usage
The phrase is generally used to emphasize completeness. It can describe possessions, businesses, plans, or situations where absolutely everything is included.
It is commonly used after verbs such as buy, move, take, sell, or bring, as in “They bought the business lock, stock and barrel.” The expression is informal but well established in everyday English.
Example Sentences
- When they moved overseas, they sold the house lock, stock and barrel.
- The company bought its smaller competitor lock, stock and barrel.
- She packed up her belongings lock, stock and barrel and moved to the coast.
- He decided to leave the old job behind lock, stock and barrel.
- The new owners purchased the restaurant lock, stock and barrel.