skeleton key
Opens many locks
A skeleton key is a key designed to open many different locks, typically by having a simple bit that bypasses the internal wards.
The term extends to anything granting universal access: Her press credentials were a skeleton key to the building.
Master key is a near synonym, though master keys are usually authorized while skeleton keys suggest illicit entry.
Lock opener for all doors
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
- all-purposeSuitable for everything
- genericNot brand-name
- interchangeableAble to replace another
multipurpose · adaptable · passkey · janitor · building access · maintenance · grand master · override
Lock and key specialist
- lockpickLock-opening implement
- tumblerFlat-bottomed drinking vessel
- bypassRoute that skirts obstacles
- pickingAct of selecting
break-in · burglar · entry · jimmy · tension wrench · rake · manipulation · security
Quality from past eras
- heirloomInherited family treasure
- ornateElaborately decorated
- brassCopper-zinc metal mixture
- ironElement twenty-six
Victorian · patina · collectible · curio · relic · artifact · engraved · filigree
Solving aid
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
- noirHard-boiled film genre
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
puzzle · whodunit · red herring · haunted mansion · locked room · secret passage · hidden compartment · gothic
Covert intelligence gathering
- covertIntentionally concealed
- cloak-and-daggerInvolving secret intrigue
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
spycraft · undercover · sabotage · stealth · surveillance · infiltration · intelligence · secret agent
master key
Lock opener for all doors
- versatileCapable in varied contexts
- all-purposeSuitable for everything
- genericNot brand-name
interchangeable · multipurpose · adaptable · passkey · janitor · building access · maintenance · grand master · override · universal access
locksmith
Lock and key specialist
picking · break-in · burglar · entry · jimmy · tension wrench · rake · manipulation · security · deadbolt
vintage
Quality from past eras
iron · Victorian · patina · collectible · curio · relic · artifact · engraved · filigree · restoration
clue
Solving aid
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
- noirHard-boiled film genre
- thrillerSuspense-driven narrative genre
suspense · puzzle · whodunit · red herring · haunted mansion · locked room · secret passage · hidden compartment · gothic · murder mystery
espionage
Covert intelligence gathering
- covertIntentionally concealed
- cloak-and-daggerInvolving secret intrigue
- conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
clandestine · spycraft · undercover · sabotage · stealth · surveillance · infiltration · intelligence · secret agent · forbidden room
- mystery objectscrystal ball, magic mirror, ancient scroll, glowing orb, sealed letter
- keyscar key, house key, door key, master key, spare key
- locks and keyspadlock, deadbolt, master key, bolt, latch
- outlaw gearbandana, holster, revolver, pistol, rifle
- break-in toolscrowbar, lock pick set, bolt cutters, pry bar, glass cutter
- lockpickinglock pick, lock picks, lockpick, picks, pick