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

See Examples For:

church key

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

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

He gave her the church key to take home.

From Aylwin by Watts-Dunton, Theodore

No hope! the church key and the vestry key are on the same ring—both inside there!

From The Woman in White by Collins, Wilkie

The church key hung on its nail in the niche.

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