open sesame

American  

noun

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

   Wealth is the open sesame to happiness.

---

open sesame British  

noun

1. a very successful means of achieving a result

---

Etymology

Origin of open sesame

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

Example Sentences

“When an aggressive group like this gets an open sesame to many desirable systems, they are going to use it widely.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 13, 2020

“It was one of those magical permissions that are like an open sesame for the whole film,” he said.

From New York Times • Mar. 18, 2012

Oil has become the open sesame of power.

From Time Magazine Archive

What accounts for the world's "open sesame" approach to arsenals?

From Time Magazine Archive

He didn’t consciously consider the new posses-sions the open sesame to Mother Dear’s vault of acceptance.

From "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou