lock-in

A situation in which a business has adopted a certain standard or product from a specific manufacturer and integrated it into their process, thus making it very costly to change to a different standard or supplier.

The situation where an investor cannot trade without incurring an undesirable penalty such as taxation.

(US) A sleepover party, usually held in a public place such as a church or school, in which the participants are not allowed to leave until the next morning.

(UK, Ireland) An illegal but widely-tolerated invitation-only gathering in a pub, after the end of licensing hours, to allow regular customers the opportunity to enjoy further drinking time.

To fix the value of (something potentially variable).

To prevent (someone or something) from escaping, deteriorating, or switching to an alternative.

(informal) To focus entirely (on something).

To synchronize (especially a rhythm section) into a groove.