diff --git a/weed/shell/commands.go b/weed/shell/commands.go
index 0e285214b..697c68ae3 100644
--- a/weed/shell/commands.go
+++ b/weed/shell/commands.go
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ func (ce *CommandEnv) confirmIsLocked() error {
 		return nil
 	}
 
-	return fmt.Errorf("need to lock to continue")
+	return fmt.Errorf("need to run \"lock\" first to continue")
 
 }