key in
Britishverb
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I'm standing by my garden gate, car key in hand and a puzzled look on my face.
From BBC
But his pre-season preparation was key in matching those demands this season, with the midfielder visibly leaner and stronger.
From BBC
Next, he twisted the key in the back of the little clock, and set it to ring at exactly 3:15 A.M.
From Literature
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Among the go-to spots were #IceCreamSundays at Lock & Key in Koreatown and rooftop parties at the now defunct Standard and Ace hotels in downtown L.A.
From Los Angeles Times
That fundamental tactical switch from Amorim's regime has been key in creating the space for Kobbie Mainoo's return.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.