magic key

Spell-powered unlocker

A magic key is a key with supernatural powers, common in fairy tales and fantasy—it might unlock any door, reveal hidden passages, or transport someone between realms.

Figuratively, a magic key is anything that provides effortless access to something difficult: Education is the magic key to success.

In computing, magic keys are keystroke combinations that trigger special system functions.

Related

hidden door · secret · secret passage · treasure · treasure chest · portal · lock · locked away · golden · skeleton · spell · mystical · passage · hidden · charm · wand · gateway · riddle

Opposites
functionality/effectiveness

magic keydud

Failed device or effort

wrong key · failed attempt · brute force · dead end

nature of access

magic keybrick wall

Stacked masonry partition

dead end · dead bolt · curse · Gordian knot

mechanism of access

magic keybrute force

Power over technique

battering ram · lockpick · crowbar · manual labor · trial and error

Family

magic, key, magical, magically, magician, mage, magi, magus, keys

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G