skeleton key

• Chave 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.

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.

1. Master keyB2formal

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

   Chave mestra

   • 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.

2. Metaphorical universal solutionC1informal

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

   Chave-mestra

   • 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.