locked and loaded

American  

[lokt uhn loh-did] / ˈlɒkt ən ˈloʊ dɪd /

adjective

1. (of a firearm) loaded with ammunition and prepared for firing.

   They checked their equipment and found the rifles locked and loaded.

2. ready for action.

   After so much practice, her throwing arm was locked and loaded for the match.

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Etymology

Origin of locked and loaded

First recorded in 1790–1800 as lock and load, used in the U.S. Army's 23-5 Basic Field manual: U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 (1940), and popularized by John Wayne in the film Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)

Example Sentences

“We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

From Los Angeles Times

“We are locked and loaded and ready to go.”

From The Wall Street Journal

"We are locked and loaded and ready to go," he added.

From Barron's

“The deals were all locked and loaded. Then, they did request to be introduced to Kawhi, and under the rules, we can introduce our sponsors to our athletes. We just can’t be involved.”

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve got this graduation thing locked and loaded.

From Los Angeles Times