master key
4
3.4
- noun
- /ˈmæstər ki/
:
llave maestra
- During the tour, the guide explained that a master key could open multiple locks throughout the museum.
Examples
-
To unlock the emergency exits, you must use the master key provided by the fire marshal.
-
The maintenance staff uses a master key to access all the rooms in the building.
-
My master key is gone.
-
"I hate the idea he has a master key to my place."
Fiction book (1991) -
Somebody stole my master key yesterday.
-
He's got a master key.
-
They went to get the master key.
-
"Isn't your master key supposed to open any door in the place?" Sidney asked.
Fiction book (1997) -
Inez has a master key to all the rooms, doesn't she?
-
The master key, which hung by Ivy's desk and which she and other rental agents used to show the apartments, had disappeared.
Fiction book (1991)
Synonyms
∞
1.0
A small metal object used to open or close a lock
37
6.1
A key that opens many different locks in a building
2
6.0
A key that opens every lock in a set, like all rooms in a building
1
6.7
A metal tool that opens many similar locks by having most teeth cut away
A key that opens many locks in a building
How Universal
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a single key that can open or access many resources' is directly derivable from combining 'master' (primary/controlling) with 'key' (an instrument to open or grant access). The technical computing use is a clear metaphorical extension of the physical concept, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
The noun master key comes from the simple picture of one key that fits many locks, like a janitor using the same key to open every door in a building. So a master key means one physical key that can open several different locks.