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

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 hung on its nail in the niche.

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

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

"That's not the church key," said Lewis, staring at the one just hung up.

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