linchpin
Wheel-securing metal peg
A linchpin is a pin passed through an axle to keep a wheel in place.
Without it, the wheel falls off and the vehicle fails.
This gives rise to the figurative sense: a linchpin is whatever holds a system together or makes it work.
She was the linchpin of the organization.
The treaty served as a linchpin of the peace process.
Utterly required, irreplaceable
- crucialOf supreme importance
- vitalEssential or sustaining existence
- keyLock-opening device
- centralIn the middle, primary
core · critical · fundamental · pivotal · integral · cornerstone · keystone · backbone
indispensable
Utterly required, irreplaceable
central · core · critical · fundamental · pivotal · integral · cornerstone · keystone · backbone · anchor
pin
Pointed metal fastener
hub · bolt · rivet · clasp · dowel · peg · wagon · cart · carriage · hitch
coalition
Temporary alliance for action
defense · offense · position · role · player · figure · element · component · factor · asset
- importanceimportance, significance, consequence, weight, gravity
- wheel partstire, hub, rim, spoke, spokes
- wheelwrightingwheelwright, spoke, hub, rim, nave
- fastenersbolt, screw, nail, nut, clip
- fundamentalsbasics, fundamentals, essentials, foundation, ABCs
- standardsstandard, standards, norm, norms, criterion
linchpinaccessory
Supplementary addition
nonessential · dispensable · expendable · inessential · fifth wheel
linchpinloose end
Unresolved remaining detail
weak link · cog · bit player · supporting detail · auxiliary