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
“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
This word—“predations,” which Shapiro deployed repeatedly—is the skeleton key to this entire debate.
From Slate • Mar. 2, 2022
He fished out a brass skeleton key with a tiny kohlrabi at the end.
From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova
