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.

“Megadoc” is not exactly a skeleton key for understanding “Megalopolis,” but it is useful and insightful, full of scenes of conflict followed by resolution, understanding emerging from confusion.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2025

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

The two hand-delivered the resolution to the city government in Novorossiysk along with a symbolic large golden skeleton key.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 18, 2022

The virus uses its spike protein like a skeleton key to ease open cells.

From Washington Post • Jun. 7, 2021

I wanted to know about the skeleton key, the last remaining memento from the Lucky Bill cigar box.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool