turn the 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.

"I could hear him turn the key and at the time I didn't realise what was going to happen," she explains.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Two missileers spend sometimes days at a time on watch in underground bunkers, ready to turn the key and fire Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles if ordered to do so by the president.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 7, 2023

“I’m thinking this lineup is going to turn the key and I’m going to walk on down to the bus station and go on about my business,” Strickland said.

From Washington Post • Nov. 23, 2021

I picture Greta giving me side-eye every time I buckle my seat belt and turn the key to go to the Trader Joe’s that is less than a mile away.

From Slate • Jan. 1, 2020

“You mean like add some oil, turn the key, and off she goes?”

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick