Do you need a way to tell someone you have everything ready to go? This post unpacks the meaning, origin, and use of the phrase "lock, stock, and barrel."
Meaning
The expression "lock, stock, and barrel" refers to the three primary components of a rifle. The lock is the firing mechanism, the stock is the handle, and the bullet travels through the barrel.
So, the phrase's meaning is that you have all the components of the plan on hand and ready to go. You are not missing anything, and you have everything required to complete the task.
Example Usage
"The Democrats have run this state for a long time — lock, stock, and barrel. That has to stop." – Kudlow, The Hartford Courant.
"He's still asking for more, and his Republican uncles are clearly ready to turn over to him whatever's left of the family savings, lock, stock, and barrel." – The Huffington Post.
"If the RSS has its way, it would shut the university down, lock stock and barrel and throw the keys into the Bay of Bengal." – The Deccan Chronicle.
"We have everything ready to go, lock, stock, and barrel."
"We gave him everything, lock, stock, and barrel."
Origin
The origin of the term "lock, stock, and barrel" comes from the US military. The phrase's first use appears in July 1803 in a newspaper, "The Connecticut Sentinel."
The publication featured a column reporting on the 4th of July festivities in Stratford, Connecticut. It appears as follows.
"1st: The 4th of July, 1776, the birthday of our ninepence...
2nd: Jefferson, Paine, Gallatin, and all the rest...
6th: Patriotism - Self-interest, the cock, lock, stock, and barrel."
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Sir Walter Scott was the first to use it in a letter in 1817, where he writes the following.
"Like the High-landman's gun, she wants stock, lock, and barrel to put her into repair."
Most people credit Scott with coining the phrase even though it was in use before his time. The English filmmaker, Guy Ritchie, would use a variation of the expression, "lock, stock, and two smoking barrels," as the title of his debut feature film.
Phrases Similar to Lock Stock and Barrel
- I have everything we need.
- The whole enchilada.
Phrases Opposite to Lock Stock and Barrel
- I don't have it all.
- The plan is in pieces.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Lock, stock, and barrel.
Ways People May Say Lock Stock and Barrel Incorrectly
Some people may use the phrase to describe all the gun components. While this is the origin of the expression and the true meaning of it, it has little application outside of the gun community or the military.
Typically, when people use this phrase outside of these two gun markets, they use it to describe something else's components. Since the wider use of the expression has nothing to do with guns, it differentiates from the original but retains a similar meaning.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Lock Stock and Barrel
You can use the phrase "lock, stock, and barrel" when you're trying to tell someone that you have everything ready to go. You could use the term when you're telling someone you have everything in place for a NASA rocket launch or for making a chicken parm sandwich. The phrase has versatility, and it can apply to any social or professional situation.
"Lock, stock, and barrel" means that you have all the plan's components. It's a confirming statement to other people to let them know that you have everything under control. It gives them confidence that they can trust you.