key to city
Ceremonial civic honor
A key to the city is a ceremonial honor bestowed by municipal governments on distinguished visitors, notable citizens, or celebrities.
The tradition echoes medieval times when walled cities had locked gates—receiving a key symbolized trust and welcome.
Modern keys are purely symbolic, typically presented as oversized decorative objects during public ceremonies: The mayor presented the key to the city to the Olympic champion.
- mayorElected head of municipality
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- goldenBright yellow, or precious
- gold platedSurfaced with precious metal
civic · civic pride · proclamation · dignitary · red carpet · ribbon · recognition · gates · town square · welcome · special guest · distinguished · public figure · award · honorary · locksmith · symbolic · presentation
- ceremonieswedding ceremony, wedding, weddings, graduation, graduations
- civic honorsmedal, award, community service award, plaque, commendation
- awardsaward, awards, winner, winners, prize
- honorsmedal, award, trophy, certificate, prize
- parade eventsgrand marshal, marching bands, baton twirlers, drum corps, majorettes
- sentimental keepsakesengagement ring, wedding ring, locket, keepsake, memento
key to citybanishment
Forced removal from place
exile · persona non grata · public censure · arrest warrant · indictment
key to cityrestraining order
Court-enforced avoidance mandate
deportation · eviction · no-fly list · excommunication · locked out
key, keys, keyed, keying, keyhole, keyboard, city, cities, citizen