Pick a lock Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɫɑk
PIK-uh-LOK
pˈɪk/ /æɪ/ /lˈɒk
PIK-uh-LOK
Definition
To open a lock without using the proper key, usually by manipulating its mechanism with special tools.
Usage & Nuances
Set phrase, usually refers to an illegal or secret act. Don't confuse with 'unlock' (using the real key). Used with both old and modern locks. Not literal picking, but technical manipulation.
Spanish: forzar una cerradura - abrir una cerradura sin llavePortuguese (BR): arrombar uma fechadura - abrir uma fechadura sem chavePortuguese (PT): arrombar uma fechadura - abrir uma fechadura sem chaveChinese (Simplified): 撬锁Chinese (Traditional): 撬鎖Hindi: ताला तोड़ना (चाबी के बिना)Arabic: فتح القفل بدون مفتاح - كسر القفلBengali: তালা ফাঁকি দেওয়া - তালা চাবি ছাড়া খোলাRussian: вскрыть замокJapanese: ピッキングする - 鍵をこじ開けるVietnamese: phá khóa (không dùng chìa)Korean: 자물쇠를 딸 - 자물쇠를 따다Turkish: kilit açmak (anahtarsız) - kilidi kırmakUrdu: تالا توڑنا - تالا کھولنا (بغیر چابی کے)Indonesian: membobol kunci - membuka kunci tanpa kunci
Example Sentences
He tried to pick a lock on the door.
basic
It is illegal to pick a lock.
basic
The thief knew how to pick a lock quickly.
basic
I locked myself out, but a friend helped me pick a lock.
natural
You can't just walk up and pick a lock without anyone noticing.
natural
Movies make it look so easy to pick a lock, but it’s actually very tricky.
natural