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.

Introducing the 688-page biography this way seems designed to address Musk’s recent turn towards combativeness and cruelty — if not justifying it, then offering a skeleton key to understanding where it’s rooted.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 11, 2023

“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

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

From Washington Post • Jun. 7, 2021

“It's the secret language they all understand. Do you see? It's the skeleton key that unlocks every door.”

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor