keys to the city
Mayor's symbolic gift
Keys to the city is a ceremonial honor given to distinguished visitors or local heroes, symbolizing the freedom to come and go as they please.
The tradition derives from medieval walled cities, where receiving literal keys granted access through locked gates.
Today mayors present decorative keys as gestures of gratitude or welcome: The championship team received the keys to the city.
- golden keyPrecious metal unlocker
- ancient ritesTraditional sacred ceremonies
- red carpet treatmentLavish welcome for honored guests
- symbolic gestureAction representing abstract meaning
- dignitaryPerson of high rank
keys to the citybanishment
Forced removal from place
exile · public censure · public shaming · disgrace · dishonorable discharge
keys to the citydeportation
Legal expulsion from country
restraining order · exile · expulsion · banishment · persona non grata
keys to the cityanonymity
Unknown identity state
obscurity · forgotten · unrecognized · unknown · overlooked
keys, keyed, keying, keyhole, keyboard, keystone, city, cities, citizen