skeleton key

A key designed to open many different locks, typically by bypassing the lock's specific mechanism; also used metaphorically to describe something that provides access to many things.

ruКлюч, предназначенный для открытия множества различных замков, обычно обходящий их конкретный механизм; также используется метафорически для описания того, что предоставляет доступ ко многим вещам.esLlave diseñada para abrir muchas cerraduras diferentes, generalmente evitando su mecanismo específico; también se usa metafóricamente para describir algo que proporciona acceso a muchas cosas.frClé conçue pour ouvrir de nombreuses serrures différentes, en contournant généralement leur mécanisme spécifique ; également utilisée métaphoriquement pour désigner ce qui donne accès à beaucoup de choses.deEin Schlüssel, der dazu dient, viele verschiedene Schlösser zu öffnen, indem er deren spezifischen Mechanismus umgeht; auch metaphorisch für etwas, das Zugang zu vielen Dingen verschafft.ptChave feita para abrir vários cadeados ou fechaduras diferentes, geralmente contornando o mecanismo específico de cada um; também é usada metaforicamente para designar algo que dá acesso a muitas coisas.zh一种能打开多种不同锁的钥匙，通常绕过锁的具体机制；也用作比喻，指能获得许多东西或进入许多地方的手段。arمفتاح مصمم لفتح مجموعة متنوعة من الأقفال المختلفة، غالبًا بتجاوز آلية القفل الخاصة؛ ويُستخدم مجازيًا للإشارة إلى ما يمنح الوصول إلى أشياء كثيرة.

1. Master key B2 formal

   A key designed to open many different locks, typically by bypassing the lock's internal mechanism.

   • The janitor used a skeleton key to open all the classroom doors.
   • In old movies, thieves often carry a skeleton key to break into houses.
   • The antique lock could be opened with a simple skeleton key.

   ruУниверсальный ключesllave maestrafrpasse-partoutdeDietrichptChave mestrazh万能钥匙arمفتاح شامل

2. Metaphorical universal solution C1 informal

   Something that provides access to or solves many different problems or situations.

   • Education is often called the skeleton key to a better life.
   • This software is a skeleton key for data analysis across various fields.
   • Her charm was a skeleton key that opened many doors in the industry.

   ruУниверсальный ключesLlave maestra universalfrpasse-partout (au sens figuré)deUniversalschlüsselptChave-mestrazh万能钥匙arمفتاح شامل