skeleton key

• 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。

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.

   万能钥匙

   • 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.

   万能钥匙

   • 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.