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

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

From Washington Post • Jun. 7, 2021

Holmes, to borrow King’s metaphor, is a skeleton key on which many versions can, and do, hang.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2020

And lots of things I’ve collected: shells, rocks, a tiny glass elephant, a blackened old skeleton key my grandmother found in a chest but which unlocks nothing.

From "Rules" by Cynthia Lord