church key

American  

noun

Slang.

1. a small metal can opener having a sharp triangular pointed end for punching holes in the top of a beverage can, as of beer.

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church key British  

noun

1. a device with a triangular point at one end for making holes in the tops of cans

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Etymology

Origin of church key

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The pie makes my mouth dry and I think I’ll have a nice drink of ginger ale till I realize you have to have some class of a church key to lift off the cap.

From The New Yorker • Feb. 15, 1999

He gave her the church key to take home.

From Aylwin by Watts-Dunton, Theodore

Hunt just glanced upwards, and saw it was the veritable church key.

From Mildred Arkell, Volume II (of 3) A Novel by Wood, Mrs. Henry

But it was not at him that Tommy pointed reassuringly; it was at the monster church key, half of which protruded from his tail pocket and waggled like the hilt of a sword.

From Sentimental Tommy The Story of His Boyhood by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)

The church key reminds him that “it is my sin that locks his handes,” and the stones of the floor are patience and humility, while the cement that binds them together is love and charity.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various