keys to the kingdom
Total control granted
Keys to the kingdom refers to access or control over something valuable, powerful, or closely guarded.
The phrase evokes the image of literal keys that unlock everything important: When they promoted her to CEO, she got the keys to the kingdom.
It often implies trust, privilege, or the transfer of authority: He handed over the keys to the kingdom when he retired.
- holy grailSupremely elusive objective
- dominionAuthority to rule
- accessRight to enter
- entryAccess or submission
- golden ticketPass granting rare access
open sesame · privilege · crown jewels · control · Rosetta Stone · master key · admittance · secret formula · family jewels · power · gateway · authority · passage · seat at the table · entrance · trade secrets · credentials · treasure map
keys to the kingdomlocked out
Unable to enter
shut out · persona non grata · blacklisted · powerlessness · on the outside looking in
keys to the kingdomoutcast
Shunned, rejected person
pariah · exile · outsider · untouchable · disinherited
keys, keyed, keying, keyhole, keyboard, keystone, kingdom, kingdoms, king