break the lock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "break the lock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is attempting to open a locked door or container without the key, often implying force or skill. Example: "In the movie, the hero had to break the lock to rescue the trapped hostages."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

But now the Web site (www.tsa.gov) barely mentions the Travel Sentry initiative, except obliquely, in a section on travel tips that says: "If T.S.A. screeners need to open a locked bag for inspection, they may have to break the lock.

The New York Times

He was about to break the lock when Lobos stepped forward with a key.

The New Yorker

He decided to break the lock on the drawer and investigate.

The New York Times - Science

Someone had chained a bicycle to the other side of the gate, and he was trying to break the lock.

The New Yorker

One thing alone will break the lock: whatever the Beatles may have promised, money can buy you love.

The New Yorker

A house detective was shouting, "Open up or I'll break the lock!" The husband asked what was up.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

At night they come into my home, they enter by the windows or break the locks.

The New York Times - Books

But Mr. Barofsky is the only one backed by federal agents who carry guns and badges and, if necessary, can break the locks off file cabinets.

The New York Times

Others have jammed as I helplessly watched the fish break the locked line.

Forbes

Airport security officials have wanted the power to break the locks on air travellers' luggage for some time and this legislation might allow them to do just that.

Vice

The activists say the burglary charge hinges on alleging that the doors to the amphitheater, and the AV room within it, were locked at the time of entry, and that students would have had to break the locks to enter.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "break the lock" in writing, consider the connotation you wish to convey. "Break the lock" implies force and potential damage, while other phrases like "pick the lock" suggest skill and finesse.

Common error

Avoid using "break the lock" when a less forceful method is implied or known. Using it inappropriately can create a misleading impression of the action taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "break the lock" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of forcibly opening a lock. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "break the lock" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that describes the action of forcibly opening a lock. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is typically used in neutral contexts such as news reports and general descriptions. While alternatives like "pick the lock" and "force the lock" exist, "break the lock" specifically implies force and potential damage to the locking mechanism. When writing, it's crucial to consider this connotation to ensure accuracy. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, reflecting its relevance in describing real-world events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

force the lock

Emphasizes the use of physical strength to open the lock.

pick the lock

Focuses on using skill and tools to open the lock without causing damage.

crack the lock

Suggests a clever or ingenious method of opening the lock.

smash the lock

Highlights the violent and destructive nature of opening the lock.

undo the lock

Implies a careful and methodical approach to opening the lock.

defeat the lock

Abstractly conveys overcoming the security provided by the lock.

bypass the lock

Suggests finding a way around the lock without directly engaging with it.

compromise the lock

Emphasizes the vulnerability of the lock and the act of exploiting it.

violate the lock

Indicates a forceful and unauthorized breach of the lock's security.

open without a key

Describes the act of opening a lock by any means other than the intended key.

FAQs

How can I use "break the lock" in a sentence?

You can use "break the lock" to describe physically forcing a lock open, as in, "The firefighters had to break the lock to enter the burning building."

What can I say instead of "break the lock"?

Alternatives include "force the lock", "pick the lock", or "crack the lock" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "broke the lock" instead of "break the lock"?

Yes, "broke the lock" is the past tense form of the phrase and is grammatically correct when describing an action that has already occurred.

What is the difference between "break the lock" and "pick the lock"?

"Break the lock" implies using force, potentially damaging the lock, while "pick the lock" suggests using skill and tools to open it without damage.