When I say "lock the lock", what does that make an English speaker think?
I mean, normally when we say "lock something", that something is considered some kind of container or opening, as in lock the car/door. So that makes me wonder if I can I say "lock the lock" because after all a lock is not a container or opening. What do I say if I want to convey the idea of inserting the key into the lock, turning the key and making the lock functional?Thank you, Susan, Bruce, and Ben, for your prompt and helpful answers. In terms of English learning, I am, as Ben said, in a vacuum that is divorced from the actual linguistic environment. And italki is by far the closest thing I can get that serves as a way out for me. Therefore, when I say thank you, I am not just saying it; I do mean it. Thanks again, you guys!

Question

When I say "lock the lock", what does that make an English speaker think?
I mean, normally when we say "lock something", that something is considered some kind of container or opening, as in lock the car/door. So that makes me wonder if I can I say "lock the lock" because after all a lock is not a container or opening. What do I say if I want to convey the idea of inserting the key into the lock, turning the key and making the lock functional?Thank you, Susan, Bruce, and Ben, for your prompt and helpful answers. In terms of English learning, I am, as Ben said, in a vacuum that is divorced from the actual linguistic environment. And italki is by far the closest thing I can get that serves as a way out for me. Therefore, when I say thank you, I am not just saying it; I do mean it. Thanks again, you guys!

Answer

You can say that, although you're correct that you usually talk about whatever item you're securing. You could also say "engage the lock".

Answer

Susan is right.  Almost any  terminology is  better if it  avoids the  repetition of "lock" as in   "lock the lock".  Still in the absence of any other words,  "lock the lock" does work.

Susan suggests  "engage".  You might also say;  "Secure the lock."

These avoid the repetitive sound.

Answer

I am sure Susan and Bruce are right.

When I think about this question, it seems to me, however, that the situation or difficulty rarely, if ever, arises.

In daily life, we often say, "Lock it" or "Have you locked it?".  We don't normally get technical with the lock itself  We are usually much more concerned about the car, the door, etc.

So it's just another problem dreamed up and faced by people who think too much in a vacuum that is divorced from the actual linguistic environment.