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
This word—“predations,” which Shapiro deployed repeatedly—is the skeleton key to this entire debate.
From Slate ● Mar. 2, 2022
The charm looks like a miniature skeleton key like the one Shenice has for the trunk that belonged to her great-grandfather, who was apparently some big-deal baseball player.
From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone
