open sesame

noun

1. any marvelously effective means for bringing about a desired result:

   Wealth is the open sesame to happiness.

open sesame

noun

1. a very successful means of achieving a result

Word History and Origins

Origin of open sesame¹

First recorded in 1785–95; from the use of these words by Ali Baba to open the door of the robbers' den

Word History and Origins

Origin of open sesame¹

from the magical words used by Ali Baba in The Arabian Nights' Entertainments to open the door of the robbers' den

Example Sentences

Of course, she would find out who he was, and then—yes, he would find the Open Sesame for every door.

From Project Gutenberg

Not only are the delights of this country mine for the asking, but my name is an Open Sesame in every land.

From Project Gutenberg

Who would possess a lingam which was an Open Sesame to devildom and not make use thereof?

From Project Gutenberg

There is no “Open Sesame” to the treasures of learning; they must be acquired by hard study.

From Project Gutenberg

It appears to be a kind of picklock, an open sesame, Tanner—Tawno!

From Project Gutenberg