Example
“The original contracts remain under lock and key in the archive.”
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
fall in line
Neutral · CEFR B1
to obey or accept the rules and expectations set by a group or authority
hold the line
Neutral · CEFR B2
to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure
lay down the law
Neutral · CEFR B2
to state rules firmly and make clear that they are not open to negotiation
take liberties
Neutral · CEFR B2
behave with more freedom or authority than is acceptable, often without permission
every which way
Informal · CEFR B1
in every direction, often in a scattered or disorderly way
get out of hand
Neutral · CEFR B1
To become impossible to control.
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.