linchpin

• Nom désignant une personne ou une chose essentielle au bon fonctionnement d'une organisation, d'un plan ou d'un système, qui assure la cohésion de l'ensemble.

A noun referring to a person or thing that is vital to an organization, plan, or system, holding everything together.

1. Essential elementC1formal

   A person or thing that is vital to the success or stability of an organization, system, or plan.

   Élément essentiel

   • She is the linchpin of the entire marketing department.
   • Trust is the linchpin of any successful relationship.
   • The new policy became the linchpin of the company's recovery strategy.

   Synonymesanchorbackbonebulwarkbuttresscornerstonefoundationkeystonemainstaypillar

2. Mechanical partC2formal

   A pin passed through the end of an axle to keep a wheel in position.

   Goupille d'essieu

   • The mechanic replaced the worn linchpin on the cart.
   • Without the linchpin, the wheel would fall off.
   • He checked the linchpin to ensure the axle was secure.

   Synonymescottercotter pin