skeleton key

American  

noun

1. a key with nearly the whole substance of the bit filed away so that it may open various locks.

---

skeleton key British  

noun

1. Also called: passkey. a key with the serrated edge filed down so that it can open numerous locks

---

Etymology

Origin of skeleton key

First recorded in 1800–10

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

skeleton key

“Microsoft should not have had a single skeleton key that, when inevitably stolen, could be used to forge access to different customers’ private communications.”

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 11, 2023

Those looking for a felt skeleton key to unlock his various idiosyncrasies aren’t likely to find one.

From New York Times ● Mar. 11, 2023

Their relationship, according to “The Last of Us” co-creator and executive producer Craig Mazin, is “ultimately … the skeleton key to unlock all of this show.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 1, 2023

This word—“predations,” which Shapiro deployed repeatedly—is the skeleton key to this entire debate.

From Slate ● Mar. 2, 2022

“And that being the case, it should be no surprise that it does not understand the secret language. The skeleton key does not fit.”

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---