locked in

adjective

1. informal,  exhibiting total concentration on the task in hand

Example Sentences

It is locked in a tariff battle with the U.S., trade spats with others in the West and facing a global backlash against its cheap exports—the engine that powered economic growth for years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

With Democrats and Republicans locked in a stalemate over the shutdown, officials in government are exploring alternative ways of paying for some key programmes, including a food programme for women and children.

Read more on BBC

While the figures in Madagascar are lower, many people are locked in informal positions and lack the stability that allows them to move forward.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A rate cut later in October is likely already locked in but the data could have a big bearing on expectations for December.

Read more on Barron's

They end up locked in battle against a boy band called Saja Boys, who are made up of demons.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• adamant 
• determined 
• hard-line 
• hard-nosed 
• immovable 
• implacable 
• inflexible 
• intractable 
• merciless 
• obstinate 
• relentless 
• rigid 
• ruthless 
• single-minded 
• staunch 
• stubborn 
• uncompromising 
• unrelenting 
• unwavering