skeleton key

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.

“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