Word for the thief's key that can unlock anything

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Is there any specific word that describes or denotes a key, which helps thief to steal anything and anywhere, no matter what kind of lock there is; in a nut shell that key can unlock any locks e.g. of room, wardrobe, bike etc.



In some parts of Pakistan, people regard such keys in Urdu as under:




ﭼﻮﺭ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ




Translation: thieving key.



In translation, I used the adjective thieving which I got from Internet.




'the thieving key'.




But 'thieving' describes a person, rather than any material... perhaps, there might be an adjective or a noun describing or denoting a key, which can unlock anything, and can open the doors for the theives to steal easily.




Afterthought:



I thought that the two-worded phrase master key might help here, but it totally connotes positivity of the key, about which I am not after:




master key (noun)



  1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key. [IMO, it has positive connotation]



See that, in a hotel, a master key can be held by any hotel workers, and those keys are not made for the thieves.



There should be a word having negative connotation, as mentioned previously in Urdu: thieving key.




The thief had [adjective] key.




Or




The thief had [noun for that key]











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  • 3




    It's a hypothetical key. And the use of the term is mere metaphorical. There may be no direct equivalent in other languages.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    Positive or negative connotation depends on context: Thieves use master key to get into buildings, steal mail in San Francisco abc7news.com/news/thieves-use-master-key-to-steal-mail-in-sf/…
    – user240918
    11 hours ago







  • 5




    @user240918 They must have stolen the master key first to do that.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    For the old style locks, 50-100 years ago, it was generally called a "skeleton key" in the US. But these don't work on modern cylinder locks -- must obtain the specific "master key" (if there is one), or simply "pick the lock" with a "lock pick".
    – Hot Licks
    11 hours ago







  • 1




    @Janus, Alohomora is from West African Sidiki dialect, and it is worth noting here that it denotes anything friendly to thieves. But doesn't specify that it's a key.
    – Ahmed
    7 hours ago
















up vote
11
down vote

favorite
3












Is there any specific word that describes or denotes a key, which helps thief to steal anything and anywhere, no matter what kind of lock there is; in a nut shell that key can unlock any locks e.g. of room, wardrobe, bike etc.



In some parts of Pakistan, people regard such keys in Urdu as under:




ﭼﻮﺭ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ




Translation: thieving key.



In translation, I used the adjective thieving which I got from Internet.




'the thieving key'.




But 'thieving' describes a person, rather than any material... perhaps, there might be an adjective or a noun describing or denoting a key, which can unlock anything, and can open the doors for the theives to steal easily.




Afterthought:



I thought that the two-worded phrase master key might help here, but it totally connotes positivity of the key, about which I am not after:




master key (noun)



  1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key. [IMO, it has positive connotation]



See that, in a hotel, a master key can be held by any hotel workers, and those keys are not made for the thieves.



There should be a word having negative connotation, as mentioned previously in Urdu: thieving key.




The thief had [adjective] key.




Or




The thief had [noun for that key]











share|improve this question



















  • 3




    It's a hypothetical key. And the use of the term is mere metaphorical. There may be no direct equivalent in other languages.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    Positive or negative connotation depends on context: Thieves use master key to get into buildings, steal mail in San Francisco abc7news.com/news/thieves-use-master-key-to-steal-mail-in-sf/…
    – user240918
    11 hours ago







  • 5




    @user240918 They must have stolen the master key first to do that.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    For the old style locks, 50-100 years ago, it was generally called a "skeleton key" in the US. But these don't work on modern cylinder locks -- must obtain the specific "master key" (if there is one), or simply "pick the lock" with a "lock pick".
    – Hot Licks
    11 hours ago







  • 1




    @Janus, Alohomora is from West African Sidiki dialect, and it is worth noting here that it denotes anything friendly to thieves. But doesn't specify that it's a key.
    – Ahmed
    7 hours ago












up vote
11
down vote

favorite
3









up vote
11
down vote

favorite
3






3





Is there any specific word that describes or denotes a key, which helps thief to steal anything and anywhere, no matter what kind of lock there is; in a nut shell that key can unlock any locks e.g. of room, wardrobe, bike etc.



In some parts of Pakistan, people regard such keys in Urdu as under:




ﭼﻮﺭ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ




Translation: thieving key.



In translation, I used the adjective thieving which I got from Internet.




'the thieving key'.




But 'thieving' describes a person, rather than any material... perhaps, there might be an adjective or a noun describing or denoting a key, which can unlock anything, and can open the doors for the theives to steal easily.




Afterthought:



I thought that the two-worded phrase master key might help here, but it totally connotes positivity of the key, about which I am not after:




master key (noun)



  1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key. [IMO, it has positive connotation]



See that, in a hotel, a master key can be held by any hotel workers, and those keys are not made for the thieves.



There should be a word having negative connotation, as mentioned previously in Urdu: thieving key.




The thief had [adjective] key.




Or




The thief had [noun for that key]











share|improve this question















Is there any specific word that describes or denotes a key, which helps thief to steal anything and anywhere, no matter what kind of lock there is; in a nut shell that key can unlock any locks e.g. of room, wardrobe, bike etc.



In some parts of Pakistan, people regard such keys in Urdu as under:




ﭼﻮﺭ ﭼﺎﺑﯽ




Translation: thieving key.



In translation, I used the adjective thieving which I got from Internet.




'the thieving key'.




But 'thieving' describes a person, rather than any material... perhaps, there might be an adjective or a noun describing or denoting a key, which can unlock anything, and can open the doors for the theives to steal easily.




Afterthought:



I thought that the two-worded phrase master key might help here, but it totally connotes positivity of the key, about which I am not after:




master key (noun)



  1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key. [IMO, it has positive connotation]



See that, in a hotel, a master key can be held by any hotel workers, and those keys are not made for the thieves.



There should be a word having negative connotation, as mentioned previously in Urdu: thieving key.




The thief had [adjective] key.




Or




The thief had [noun for that key]








single-word-requests nouns adjectives






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited 6 hours ago

























asked 12 hours ago









Ahmed

2,4371239




2,4371239







  • 3




    It's a hypothetical key. And the use of the term is mere metaphorical. There may be no direct equivalent in other languages.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    Positive or negative connotation depends on context: Thieves use master key to get into buildings, steal mail in San Francisco abc7news.com/news/thieves-use-master-key-to-steal-mail-in-sf/…
    – user240918
    11 hours ago







  • 5




    @user240918 They must have stolen the master key first to do that.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    For the old style locks, 50-100 years ago, it was generally called a "skeleton key" in the US. But these don't work on modern cylinder locks -- must obtain the specific "master key" (if there is one), or simply "pick the lock" with a "lock pick".
    – Hot Licks
    11 hours ago







  • 1




    @Janus, Alohomora is from West African Sidiki dialect, and it is worth noting here that it denotes anything friendly to thieves. But doesn't specify that it's a key.
    – Ahmed
    7 hours ago












  • 3




    It's a hypothetical key. And the use of the term is mere metaphorical. There may be no direct equivalent in other languages.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    Positive or negative connotation depends on context: Thieves use master key to get into buildings, steal mail in San Francisco abc7news.com/news/thieves-use-master-key-to-steal-mail-in-sf/…
    – user240918
    11 hours ago







  • 5




    @user240918 They must have stolen the master key first to do that.
    – Kris
    11 hours ago






  • 1




    For the old style locks, 50-100 years ago, it was generally called a "skeleton key" in the US. But these don't work on modern cylinder locks -- must obtain the specific "master key" (if there is one), or simply "pick the lock" with a "lock pick".
    – Hot Licks
    11 hours ago







  • 1




    @Janus, Alohomora is from West African Sidiki dialect, and it is worth noting here that it denotes anything friendly to thieves. But doesn't specify that it's a key.
    – Ahmed
    7 hours ago







3




3




It's a hypothetical key. And the use of the term is mere metaphorical. There may be no direct equivalent in other languages.
– Kris
11 hours ago




It's a hypothetical key. And the use of the term is mere metaphorical. There may be no direct equivalent in other languages.
– Kris
11 hours ago




1




1




Positive or negative connotation depends on context: Thieves use master key to get into buildings, steal mail in San Francisco abc7news.com/news/thieves-use-master-key-to-steal-mail-in-sf/…
– user240918
11 hours ago





Positive or negative connotation depends on context: Thieves use master key to get into buildings, steal mail in San Francisco abc7news.com/news/thieves-use-master-key-to-steal-mail-in-sf/…
– user240918
11 hours ago





5




5




@user240918 They must have stolen the master key first to do that.
– Kris
11 hours ago




@user240918 They must have stolen the master key first to do that.
– Kris
11 hours ago




1




1




For the old style locks, 50-100 years ago, it was generally called a "skeleton key" in the US. But these don't work on modern cylinder locks -- must obtain the specific "master key" (if there is one), or simply "pick the lock" with a "lock pick".
– Hot Licks
11 hours ago





For the old style locks, 50-100 years ago, it was generally called a "skeleton key" in the US. But these don't work on modern cylinder locks -- must obtain the specific "master key" (if there is one), or simply "pick the lock" with a "lock pick".
– Hot Licks
11 hours ago





1




1




@Janus, Alohomora is from West African Sidiki dialect, and it is worth noting here that it denotes anything friendly to thieves. But doesn't specify that it's a key.
– Ahmed
7 hours ago




@Janus, Alohomora is from West African Sidiki dialect, and it is worth noting here that it denotes anything friendly to thieves. But doesn't specify that it's a key.
– Ahmed
7 hours ago










9 Answers
9






active

oldest

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up vote
26
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The things that thieves actually use to open doors is called a lockpick or picklock. These are actually quite tricky to use, and won't work on all locks, although they do work on many of them.



A master key is something that is made to open all the locks in one building or set of buildings. Generally, managers and janitors have these. But these (or at least, the ones in actual use) don't open all locks; just locks that have been made so as to be opened by this specific key.



A skeleton key is a key that has been (probably illicitly) filed down so that it will open all of some particular class of locks. I don't believe that skeleton keys work on most modern locks, but they do work on old-fashioned types of locks, and so in the past they would have been very useful to thieves.



If you are talking about some mythical key that opens all doors easily, I don't believe there is such a myth in the English-speaking world.
If such a myth actually existed, it might be called a




universal key,




and in fact, Googling universal key shows that it indeed has been used with this meaning






share|improve this answer


















  • 8




    "Skeleton key" was (relatively) universal on old "warded" locks. Won't work for modern cylinder locks.
    – Hot Licks
    11 hours ago






  • 3




    The only problem with the term "lockpick" is that if the OP wants a work for a "key," a lockpick don't look like a key - the simplest version (which works fine if you know how to use it!) is just a piece of bent wire.
    – alephzero
    10 hours ago






  • 9




    Even though skeleton keys only worked on some locks and such locks haven't been used in a long time, the phrase has survived and morphed to mean "a key to unlocking (something / anything)." IMHO.
    – stannius
    6 hours ago







  • 1




    I cannot find the usages of universal key that you describe: I just get a lot of people trying to sell handcuffs and/or the standardized key that I guess is used for handcuffs (though I suspect not those actually used by police). I also can’t find it any dictionaries or the like. And while your description of skeleton key correctly describes the original design and namesake for the term, its metaphorical use as a key-for-all-locks really makes it the answer here.
    – KRyan
    5 hours ago






  • 5




    As @Stannius said, I'd definitely argue that "Skeleton Key" as a phrase is understood as a key that opens all doors. It's definitely the commonly used term for an enchanted or magical key of this type in most fantasy works + RPG games.
    – SchrodingersStat
    5 hours ago

















up vote
26
down vote













Skeleton key has been suggested by many other answers, but always as a secondary suggestion. That would be incorrect: it is the correct answer here. No other answer suggested, possibly excepting the archaic passe-partout, has this meaning.




A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




(Collins)



Many dictionaries, as well as Wikipedia, will tell you about the original design of a skeleton key: a key with all the ridges filed away so that it can open many locks. It’s actually where the name comes from, as stripping off the ridges was said to leave only the key’s “skeleton.” Anyway, that design only works on rather basic locks known as warded locks. Warded locks are not much in use anymore, largely because of the vulnerability to skeleton keys, therefore the original skeleton key design is not generally all that useful for theft.



On the other hand, the term skeleton key has outlived the original design, and is often used to describe a hypothetical key that opens any lock, rather than just those susceptible to the original skeleton design. For instance,




Many times refers to a magical key that will sucessfully unlock anything.




(Urban Dictionary—note that by the third definition, the term has become a euphemism for sex, as most Urban Dictionary definitions eventually end up doing)



Used metaphorically, then, skeleton key means a key that will open any lock. Given the sophistication of modern locks, and the many different designs for them, this is generally treated as a magical ability, since no actual key could open all of those different locks. In my experience, the metaphorical usage of skeleton key is far more common than the specific historical design that it is named after.



Master Key



Master keys are legitimate, intentional tools used by property owners, not thieves’ tools. Typically, a set of locks must be produced together, along with a master key that opens all of them; you usually can’t take some random set of locks and make a master key for all of them. For example, if you own a building, you might have the locks for your doors made with a master key, and then give it to a janitor for cleaning. If a thief got their hands on a master key for a building or whatever that they wished to rob, it makes the theft very easy, of course, but ultimately this is no different from stealing the key or keys that open whatever you need. The master key is easier because it’s one key that opens many locks.




A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.




(Collins Dictionary)



Passkey



The word passkey can mean master key, or it can mean skeleton key. When used to mean skeleton key, it can have this meaning, but the fact that it can instead mean master key makes it less than useful here.




  1. MASTER KEY

  2. SKELETON KEY



(Meriam-Webster)



Universal Key



Universal key is not a common term, and I can find no dictionary that includes it. A quick Google search suggests that by far the most common usage for this term is a “universal handcuff key,” a simple cylinder with a little “flag.” There may well be many handcuffs made to open with such a key, but it’s not going to open much else (and I suspect police actually use something else for their handcuffs anyway).



Anyway, not what you are looking for.



Lock picks and bump keys



On the other hand, lock picks and bump keys are definitely theives’ tools, which can be used to open up locks with some skill and effort. Many locks are very easy to pick; many locks are nearly, if not outright, impossible to pick. Either way, lock picking is a skill and these tools help; they don’t just open the lock automatically for you.



Importantly, even though a bump key is called a “key,” it doesn’t really work like one—you can’t just stick it in, turn it, and expect the lock to open. Instead, you have to “bump” the lock to get it to open. However, it’s worth noting that the bump key does bear some similarities to the original design of the skeleton key—like the skeleton key was filed smooth to foil cylinder locks, the bump key consists of several unusually-sharp points which can be used to bump pin-tumbler locks. Like the original skeleton key, the bump key is not useful for other lock designs. Unlike skeleton key, though, bump key has not reached the quasi-legendary status that skeleton key has, and it is not used for a hypothetical key-for-all-locks.






share|improve this answer






















  • Another phrase, especially useful with electronic security devices, is "back-door key". Essentially a master key the lock is engineered to accept, but whose existence is concealed from the owner of the lock by the maker.
    – supercat
    4 hours ago






  • 5




    I think this is the best answer, or at least the answer which most closely matches my experience. "Skeleton key" is exactly the phrase I would use for "key that a thief can use to open any lock" regardless of whether such a thing is physically possible or even really a physical key.
    – Kamil Drakari
    4 hours ago

















up vote
18
down vote













You are probably looking for passe-partout:




something that secures entry everywhere, esp a master key




Also skeleton key or passkey:




A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




(Collins Dictionary)






share|improve this answer


















  • 1




    I agree that this is great option, but it's an archaic term.
    – Ahmed
    11 hours ago






  • 30




    "Skeleton key" is exactly what OP is looking for. Passkey would probably fit, but, like "master key", implies legitimacy. I like passe-partout, but it really isn't in common use.
    – TimLymington
    11 hours ago






  • 14




    +1 to Skeleton key...and it would be helpful to the OP to know which word is being upvoted/downvoted if you answered just one word per answer.
    – Keeta
    10 hours ago






  • 11




    +1 for skeleton key as this is the one according to OPs clarification. The main difference (missing in the answer) is that a master key is a key intended for a set of locks, e.g. all locks in a specific building. This is usually used by someone with a high access to all premises. If a thief gets hand on one they'll access any room in the specific building (which helps in a theft for sure) but they need to steal the key (or obtain it some other way). A skeleton key is a key used to open a lock for which you don't have a valid key, i.e. to pick a lock. And that's what thieves do (and own).
    – Ister
    10 hours ago






  • 1




    @user240918 My mother tongue is German, and the German word "Dietrich" was the word that came into my mind immediately. A quick dictionary lookup showed "skeleton key", "picklock" and "lockpick". IMHO, "passe-partout" is more common for the wide border between a picture and its frame.
    – rexkogitans
    7 hours ago

















up vote
7
down vote













You could call it a master key




: a key designed to open several different locks



  • Similarly, hotel rooms around the world are vulnerable to a hack that lets an intruder mimic a hotel's master key and open any door.



Brian Barrett, WIRED, "Security News This Week: The Biggest DDoS For Hire Site Goes Down," 28 Apr. 2018



or a skeleton key




a key that will open several doors




Thieves may have used 'skeleton key' in Wigan break-ins






share|improve this answer
















  • 5




    Perhaps worth noting that a skeleton key is a specific subtype of master key—a key with elements filed down to bypass the parts of a (poorly designed) lock that actually do the locking, instead operating the actuator directly. It is possible to create a master key for a set of properly designed locks without any of them being vulnerable to a skeleton key.
    – Anko
    11 hours ago

















up vote
4
down vote













What about a master key




master key (noun)



  1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key.






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Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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  • 1




    Oldest correct answer!
    – Pedro Lobito
    10 hours ago






  • 1




    This not the correct answer. A master key is custom made to order for a specific set of locks. If a thief has it or the ring of keys that also open the specific set of locks, they only have access to those specific locks.
    – James Jenkins
    6 hours ago


















up vote
4
down vote













In terms of what modern thieves are likely to actually use, consider bump key.



Bump keys are specific to a lock type, effectively single use and they require considerable force to work. They are quite inelegant, although very effective and extremely fast to operate - they work in seconds.




Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key, rapping key or a
999 key.



...



Lock bumping is a trend in burglaries, which can make it easy and fast
to break into homes without needing too much special equipment or
leaving any trace of forced entry. It works almost as well as actually
having a key, and a set of ten rapping keys can make the criminals
capable of opening 90% of common tumbler locks. However, criminals
might choose to avoid lock bumping when stealth is required, because
of the noisiness of the process. Almost all tumbler locks are
vulnerable to bumping.




(However, I think you have already got an equivalent expression to your thief's key in skeleton key, which is dated enough to have charm, is a word children would know, and also has a hint of the sinister about it.)






share|improve this answer




















  • Any of the better in-patent locks (Primus, Medeco etc.) will be resistant to bumping because they use really weird keyways that have additional keying in the keyway that won't bump. Only the mfgr. Can make the odd keyway features and only your locksmith can obtain them. They cost about $70 per tumbler set and $13 per key, and they go in higher quality knobsets that cost a fortune (by big-box store residential standards). Would I use one on my house? You bet your bippy.
    – Harper
    2 hours ago


















up vote
4
down vote













If we get away from the practicalities of whether such keys exist in reality and look at keys which do exist in fairy-tales and other fiction, we find a clear distinction between a master key which is made with good intent, and only available to the thief by theft, deception etc., and a skeleton key which is made with evil intent. Supernatural forces are often used, either to actually make the key or to find out how to. A third method is to take an ordinary key and cast a spell on it. Whatever method you use the principle is that a skeleton key is the most widely understood term for a universal key made with evil intent and found in stories.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    2
    down vote













    Other answers have suggested this, but to make it clearer, no such key exists. A master key can open many locks, but not all. And even when there were skeleton keys in common use, there were also locks of other types, just as today there are tumbler locks with flat keys to lift pins, flat keys where the pins fit in holes on the flat side, and tubular keys (and several other types).






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      1
      down vote













      Perhaps, people might consider it a pass key.




      pass key noun



      1. a key to the door of a
        restricted area, given
        only to those who are
        officially allowed access.


      2. a master key.







      share|improve this answer




















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        9 Answers
        9






        active

        oldest

        votes








        9 Answers
        9






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes








        up vote
        26
        down vote













        The things that thieves actually use to open doors is called a lockpick or picklock. These are actually quite tricky to use, and won't work on all locks, although they do work on many of them.



        A master key is something that is made to open all the locks in one building or set of buildings. Generally, managers and janitors have these. But these (or at least, the ones in actual use) don't open all locks; just locks that have been made so as to be opened by this specific key.



        A skeleton key is a key that has been (probably illicitly) filed down so that it will open all of some particular class of locks. I don't believe that skeleton keys work on most modern locks, but they do work on old-fashioned types of locks, and so in the past they would have been very useful to thieves.



        If you are talking about some mythical key that opens all doors easily, I don't believe there is such a myth in the English-speaking world.
        If such a myth actually existed, it might be called a




        universal key,




        and in fact, Googling universal key shows that it indeed has been used with this meaning






        share|improve this answer


















        • 8




          "Skeleton key" was (relatively) universal on old "warded" locks. Won't work for modern cylinder locks.
          – Hot Licks
          11 hours ago






        • 3




          The only problem with the term "lockpick" is that if the OP wants a work for a "key," a lockpick don't look like a key - the simplest version (which works fine if you know how to use it!) is just a piece of bent wire.
          – alephzero
          10 hours ago






        • 9




          Even though skeleton keys only worked on some locks and such locks haven't been used in a long time, the phrase has survived and morphed to mean "a key to unlocking (something / anything)." IMHO.
          – stannius
          6 hours ago







        • 1




          I cannot find the usages of universal key that you describe: I just get a lot of people trying to sell handcuffs and/or the standardized key that I guess is used for handcuffs (though I suspect not those actually used by police). I also can’t find it any dictionaries or the like. And while your description of skeleton key correctly describes the original design and namesake for the term, its metaphorical use as a key-for-all-locks really makes it the answer here.
          – KRyan
          5 hours ago






        • 5




          As @Stannius said, I'd definitely argue that "Skeleton Key" as a phrase is understood as a key that opens all doors. It's definitely the commonly used term for an enchanted or magical key of this type in most fantasy works + RPG games.
          – SchrodingersStat
          5 hours ago














        up vote
        26
        down vote













        The things that thieves actually use to open doors is called a lockpick or picklock. These are actually quite tricky to use, and won't work on all locks, although they do work on many of them.



        A master key is something that is made to open all the locks in one building or set of buildings. Generally, managers and janitors have these. But these (or at least, the ones in actual use) don't open all locks; just locks that have been made so as to be opened by this specific key.



        A skeleton key is a key that has been (probably illicitly) filed down so that it will open all of some particular class of locks. I don't believe that skeleton keys work on most modern locks, but they do work on old-fashioned types of locks, and so in the past they would have been very useful to thieves.



        If you are talking about some mythical key that opens all doors easily, I don't believe there is such a myth in the English-speaking world.
        If such a myth actually existed, it might be called a




        universal key,




        and in fact, Googling universal key shows that it indeed has been used with this meaning






        share|improve this answer


















        • 8




          "Skeleton key" was (relatively) universal on old "warded" locks. Won't work for modern cylinder locks.
          – Hot Licks
          11 hours ago






        • 3




          The only problem with the term "lockpick" is that if the OP wants a work for a "key," a lockpick don't look like a key - the simplest version (which works fine if you know how to use it!) is just a piece of bent wire.
          – alephzero
          10 hours ago






        • 9




          Even though skeleton keys only worked on some locks and such locks haven't been used in a long time, the phrase has survived and morphed to mean "a key to unlocking (something / anything)." IMHO.
          – stannius
          6 hours ago







        • 1




          I cannot find the usages of universal key that you describe: I just get a lot of people trying to sell handcuffs and/or the standardized key that I guess is used for handcuffs (though I suspect not those actually used by police). I also can’t find it any dictionaries or the like. And while your description of skeleton key correctly describes the original design and namesake for the term, its metaphorical use as a key-for-all-locks really makes it the answer here.
          – KRyan
          5 hours ago






        • 5




          As @Stannius said, I'd definitely argue that "Skeleton Key" as a phrase is understood as a key that opens all doors. It's definitely the commonly used term for an enchanted or magical key of this type in most fantasy works + RPG games.
          – SchrodingersStat
          5 hours ago












        up vote
        26
        down vote










        up vote
        26
        down vote









        The things that thieves actually use to open doors is called a lockpick or picklock. These are actually quite tricky to use, and won't work on all locks, although they do work on many of them.



        A master key is something that is made to open all the locks in one building or set of buildings. Generally, managers and janitors have these. But these (or at least, the ones in actual use) don't open all locks; just locks that have been made so as to be opened by this specific key.



        A skeleton key is a key that has been (probably illicitly) filed down so that it will open all of some particular class of locks. I don't believe that skeleton keys work on most modern locks, but they do work on old-fashioned types of locks, and so in the past they would have been very useful to thieves.



        If you are talking about some mythical key that opens all doors easily, I don't believe there is such a myth in the English-speaking world.
        If such a myth actually existed, it might be called a




        universal key,




        and in fact, Googling universal key shows that it indeed has been used with this meaning






        share|improve this answer














        The things that thieves actually use to open doors is called a lockpick or picklock. These are actually quite tricky to use, and won't work on all locks, although they do work on many of them.



        A master key is something that is made to open all the locks in one building or set of buildings. Generally, managers and janitors have these. But these (or at least, the ones in actual use) don't open all locks; just locks that have been made so as to be opened by this specific key.



        A skeleton key is a key that has been (probably illicitly) filed down so that it will open all of some particular class of locks. I don't believe that skeleton keys work on most modern locks, but they do work on old-fashioned types of locks, and so in the past they would have been very useful to thieves.



        If you are talking about some mythical key that opens all doors easily, I don't believe there is such a myth in the English-speaking world.
        If such a myth actually existed, it might be called a




        universal key,




        and in fact, Googling universal key shows that it indeed has been used with this meaning







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 9 hours ago

























        answered 11 hours ago









        Peter Shor

        59.8k5115211




        59.8k5115211







        • 8




          "Skeleton key" was (relatively) universal on old "warded" locks. Won't work for modern cylinder locks.
          – Hot Licks
          11 hours ago






        • 3




          The only problem with the term "lockpick" is that if the OP wants a work for a "key," a lockpick don't look like a key - the simplest version (which works fine if you know how to use it!) is just a piece of bent wire.
          – alephzero
          10 hours ago






        • 9




          Even though skeleton keys only worked on some locks and such locks haven't been used in a long time, the phrase has survived and morphed to mean "a key to unlocking (something / anything)." IMHO.
          – stannius
          6 hours ago







        • 1




          I cannot find the usages of universal key that you describe: I just get a lot of people trying to sell handcuffs and/or the standardized key that I guess is used for handcuffs (though I suspect not those actually used by police). I also can’t find it any dictionaries or the like. And while your description of skeleton key correctly describes the original design and namesake for the term, its metaphorical use as a key-for-all-locks really makes it the answer here.
          – KRyan
          5 hours ago






        • 5




          As @Stannius said, I'd definitely argue that "Skeleton Key" as a phrase is understood as a key that opens all doors. It's definitely the commonly used term for an enchanted or magical key of this type in most fantasy works + RPG games.
          – SchrodingersStat
          5 hours ago












        • 8




          "Skeleton key" was (relatively) universal on old "warded" locks. Won't work for modern cylinder locks.
          – Hot Licks
          11 hours ago






        • 3




          The only problem with the term "lockpick" is that if the OP wants a work for a "key," a lockpick don't look like a key - the simplest version (which works fine if you know how to use it!) is just a piece of bent wire.
          – alephzero
          10 hours ago






        • 9




          Even though skeleton keys only worked on some locks and such locks haven't been used in a long time, the phrase has survived and morphed to mean "a key to unlocking (something / anything)." IMHO.
          – stannius
          6 hours ago







        • 1




          I cannot find the usages of universal key that you describe: I just get a lot of people trying to sell handcuffs and/or the standardized key that I guess is used for handcuffs (though I suspect not those actually used by police). I also can’t find it any dictionaries or the like. And while your description of skeleton key correctly describes the original design and namesake for the term, its metaphorical use as a key-for-all-locks really makes it the answer here.
          – KRyan
          5 hours ago






        • 5




          As @Stannius said, I'd definitely argue that "Skeleton Key" as a phrase is understood as a key that opens all doors. It's definitely the commonly used term for an enchanted or magical key of this type in most fantasy works + RPG games.
          – SchrodingersStat
          5 hours ago







        8




        8




        "Skeleton key" was (relatively) universal on old "warded" locks. Won't work for modern cylinder locks.
        – Hot Licks
        11 hours ago




        "Skeleton key" was (relatively) universal on old "warded" locks. Won't work for modern cylinder locks.
        – Hot Licks
        11 hours ago




        3




        3




        The only problem with the term "lockpick" is that if the OP wants a work for a "key," a lockpick don't look like a key - the simplest version (which works fine if you know how to use it!) is just a piece of bent wire.
        – alephzero
        10 hours ago




        The only problem with the term "lockpick" is that if the OP wants a work for a "key," a lockpick don't look like a key - the simplest version (which works fine if you know how to use it!) is just a piece of bent wire.
        – alephzero
        10 hours ago




        9




        9




        Even though skeleton keys only worked on some locks and such locks haven't been used in a long time, the phrase has survived and morphed to mean "a key to unlocking (something / anything)." IMHO.
        – stannius
        6 hours ago





        Even though skeleton keys only worked on some locks and such locks haven't been used in a long time, the phrase has survived and morphed to mean "a key to unlocking (something / anything)." IMHO.
        – stannius
        6 hours ago





        1




        1




        I cannot find the usages of universal key that you describe: I just get a lot of people trying to sell handcuffs and/or the standardized key that I guess is used for handcuffs (though I suspect not those actually used by police). I also can’t find it any dictionaries or the like. And while your description of skeleton key correctly describes the original design and namesake for the term, its metaphorical use as a key-for-all-locks really makes it the answer here.
        – KRyan
        5 hours ago




        I cannot find the usages of universal key that you describe: I just get a lot of people trying to sell handcuffs and/or the standardized key that I guess is used for handcuffs (though I suspect not those actually used by police). I also can’t find it any dictionaries or the like. And while your description of skeleton key correctly describes the original design and namesake for the term, its metaphorical use as a key-for-all-locks really makes it the answer here.
        – KRyan
        5 hours ago




        5




        5




        As @Stannius said, I'd definitely argue that "Skeleton Key" as a phrase is understood as a key that opens all doors. It's definitely the commonly used term for an enchanted or magical key of this type in most fantasy works + RPG games.
        – SchrodingersStat
        5 hours ago




        As @Stannius said, I'd definitely argue that "Skeleton Key" as a phrase is understood as a key that opens all doors. It's definitely the commonly used term for an enchanted or magical key of this type in most fantasy works + RPG games.
        – SchrodingersStat
        5 hours ago












        up vote
        26
        down vote













        Skeleton key has been suggested by many other answers, but always as a secondary suggestion. That would be incorrect: it is the correct answer here. No other answer suggested, possibly excepting the archaic passe-partout, has this meaning.




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins)



        Many dictionaries, as well as Wikipedia, will tell you about the original design of a skeleton key: a key with all the ridges filed away so that it can open many locks. It’s actually where the name comes from, as stripping off the ridges was said to leave only the key’s “skeleton.” Anyway, that design only works on rather basic locks known as warded locks. Warded locks are not much in use anymore, largely because of the vulnerability to skeleton keys, therefore the original skeleton key design is not generally all that useful for theft.



        On the other hand, the term skeleton key has outlived the original design, and is often used to describe a hypothetical key that opens any lock, rather than just those susceptible to the original skeleton design. For instance,




        Many times refers to a magical key that will sucessfully unlock anything.




        (Urban Dictionary—note that by the third definition, the term has become a euphemism for sex, as most Urban Dictionary definitions eventually end up doing)



        Used metaphorically, then, skeleton key means a key that will open any lock. Given the sophistication of modern locks, and the many different designs for them, this is generally treated as a magical ability, since no actual key could open all of those different locks. In my experience, the metaphorical usage of skeleton key is far more common than the specific historical design that it is named after.



        Master Key



        Master keys are legitimate, intentional tools used by property owners, not thieves’ tools. Typically, a set of locks must be produced together, along with a master key that opens all of them; you usually can’t take some random set of locks and make a master key for all of them. For example, if you own a building, you might have the locks for your doors made with a master key, and then give it to a janitor for cleaning. If a thief got their hands on a master key for a building or whatever that they wished to rob, it makes the theft very easy, of course, but ultimately this is no different from stealing the key or keys that open whatever you need. The master key is easier because it’s one key that opens many locks.




        A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.




        (Collins Dictionary)



        Passkey



        The word passkey can mean master key, or it can mean skeleton key. When used to mean skeleton key, it can have this meaning, but the fact that it can instead mean master key makes it less than useful here.




        1. MASTER KEY

        2. SKELETON KEY



        (Meriam-Webster)



        Universal Key



        Universal key is not a common term, and I can find no dictionary that includes it. A quick Google search suggests that by far the most common usage for this term is a “universal handcuff key,” a simple cylinder with a little “flag.” There may well be many handcuffs made to open with such a key, but it’s not going to open much else (and I suspect police actually use something else for their handcuffs anyway).



        Anyway, not what you are looking for.



        Lock picks and bump keys



        On the other hand, lock picks and bump keys are definitely theives’ tools, which can be used to open up locks with some skill and effort. Many locks are very easy to pick; many locks are nearly, if not outright, impossible to pick. Either way, lock picking is a skill and these tools help; they don’t just open the lock automatically for you.



        Importantly, even though a bump key is called a “key,” it doesn’t really work like one—you can’t just stick it in, turn it, and expect the lock to open. Instead, you have to “bump” the lock to get it to open. However, it’s worth noting that the bump key does bear some similarities to the original design of the skeleton key—like the skeleton key was filed smooth to foil cylinder locks, the bump key consists of several unusually-sharp points which can be used to bump pin-tumbler locks. Like the original skeleton key, the bump key is not useful for other lock designs. Unlike skeleton key, though, bump key has not reached the quasi-legendary status that skeleton key has, and it is not used for a hypothetical key-for-all-locks.






        share|improve this answer






















        • Another phrase, especially useful with electronic security devices, is "back-door key". Essentially a master key the lock is engineered to accept, but whose existence is concealed from the owner of the lock by the maker.
          – supercat
          4 hours ago






        • 5




          I think this is the best answer, or at least the answer which most closely matches my experience. "Skeleton key" is exactly the phrase I would use for "key that a thief can use to open any lock" regardless of whether such a thing is physically possible or even really a physical key.
          – Kamil Drakari
          4 hours ago














        up vote
        26
        down vote













        Skeleton key has been suggested by many other answers, but always as a secondary suggestion. That would be incorrect: it is the correct answer here. No other answer suggested, possibly excepting the archaic passe-partout, has this meaning.




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins)



        Many dictionaries, as well as Wikipedia, will tell you about the original design of a skeleton key: a key with all the ridges filed away so that it can open many locks. It’s actually where the name comes from, as stripping off the ridges was said to leave only the key’s “skeleton.” Anyway, that design only works on rather basic locks known as warded locks. Warded locks are not much in use anymore, largely because of the vulnerability to skeleton keys, therefore the original skeleton key design is not generally all that useful for theft.



        On the other hand, the term skeleton key has outlived the original design, and is often used to describe a hypothetical key that opens any lock, rather than just those susceptible to the original skeleton design. For instance,




        Many times refers to a magical key that will sucessfully unlock anything.




        (Urban Dictionary—note that by the third definition, the term has become a euphemism for sex, as most Urban Dictionary definitions eventually end up doing)



        Used metaphorically, then, skeleton key means a key that will open any lock. Given the sophistication of modern locks, and the many different designs for them, this is generally treated as a magical ability, since no actual key could open all of those different locks. In my experience, the metaphorical usage of skeleton key is far more common than the specific historical design that it is named after.



        Master Key



        Master keys are legitimate, intentional tools used by property owners, not thieves’ tools. Typically, a set of locks must be produced together, along with a master key that opens all of them; you usually can’t take some random set of locks and make a master key for all of them. For example, if you own a building, you might have the locks for your doors made with a master key, and then give it to a janitor for cleaning. If a thief got their hands on a master key for a building or whatever that they wished to rob, it makes the theft very easy, of course, but ultimately this is no different from stealing the key or keys that open whatever you need. The master key is easier because it’s one key that opens many locks.




        A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.




        (Collins Dictionary)



        Passkey



        The word passkey can mean master key, or it can mean skeleton key. When used to mean skeleton key, it can have this meaning, but the fact that it can instead mean master key makes it less than useful here.




        1. MASTER KEY

        2. SKELETON KEY



        (Meriam-Webster)



        Universal Key



        Universal key is not a common term, and I can find no dictionary that includes it. A quick Google search suggests that by far the most common usage for this term is a “universal handcuff key,” a simple cylinder with a little “flag.” There may well be many handcuffs made to open with such a key, but it’s not going to open much else (and I suspect police actually use something else for their handcuffs anyway).



        Anyway, not what you are looking for.



        Lock picks and bump keys



        On the other hand, lock picks and bump keys are definitely theives’ tools, which can be used to open up locks with some skill and effort. Many locks are very easy to pick; many locks are nearly, if not outright, impossible to pick. Either way, lock picking is a skill and these tools help; they don’t just open the lock automatically for you.



        Importantly, even though a bump key is called a “key,” it doesn’t really work like one—you can’t just stick it in, turn it, and expect the lock to open. Instead, you have to “bump” the lock to get it to open. However, it’s worth noting that the bump key does bear some similarities to the original design of the skeleton key—like the skeleton key was filed smooth to foil cylinder locks, the bump key consists of several unusually-sharp points which can be used to bump pin-tumbler locks. Like the original skeleton key, the bump key is not useful for other lock designs. Unlike skeleton key, though, bump key has not reached the quasi-legendary status that skeleton key has, and it is not used for a hypothetical key-for-all-locks.






        share|improve this answer






















        • Another phrase, especially useful with electronic security devices, is "back-door key". Essentially a master key the lock is engineered to accept, but whose existence is concealed from the owner of the lock by the maker.
          – supercat
          4 hours ago






        • 5




          I think this is the best answer, or at least the answer which most closely matches my experience. "Skeleton key" is exactly the phrase I would use for "key that a thief can use to open any lock" regardless of whether such a thing is physically possible or even really a physical key.
          – Kamil Drakari
          4 hours ago












        up vote
        26
        down vote










        up vote
        26
        down vote









        Skeleton key has been suggested by many other answers, but always as a secondary suggestion. That would be incorrect: it is the correct answer here. No other answer suggested, possibly excepting the archaic passe-partout, has this meaning.




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins)



        Many dictionaries, as well as Wikipedia, will tell you about the original design of a skeleton key: a key with all the ridges filed away so that it can open many locks. It’s actually where the name comes from, as stripping off the ridges was said to leave only the key’s “skeleton.” Anyway, that design only works on rather basic locks known as warded locks. Warded locks are not much in use anymore, largely because of the vulnerability to skeleton keys, therefore the original skeleton key design is not generally all that useful for theft.



        On the other hand, the term skeleton key has outlived the original design, and is often used to describe a hypothetical key that opens any lock, rather than just those susceptible to the original skeleton design. For instance,




        Many times refers to a magical key that will sucessfully unlock anything.




        (Urban Dictionary—note that by the third definition, the term has become a euphemism for sex, as most Urban Dictionary definitions eventually end up doing)



        Used metaphorically, then, skeleton key means a key that will open any lock. Given the sophistication of modern locks, and the many different designs for them, this is generally treated as a magical ability, since no actual key could open all of those different locks. In my experience, the metaphorical usage of skeleton key is far more common than the specific historical design that it is named after.



        Master Key



        Master keys are legitimate, intentional tools used by property owners, not thieves’ tools. Typically, a set of locks must be produced together, along with a master key that opens all of them; you usually can’t take some random set of locks and make a master key for all of them. For example, if you own a building, you might have the locks for your doors made with a master key, and then give it to a janitor for cleaning. If a thief got their hands on a master key for a building or whatever that they wished to rob, it makes the theft very easy, of course, but ultimately this is no different from stealing the key or keys that open whatever you need. The master key is easier because it’s one key that opens many locks.




        A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.




        (Collins Dictionary)



        Passkey



        The word passkey can mean master key, or it can mean skeleton key. When used to mean skeleton key, it can have this meaning, but the fact that it can instead mean master key makes it less than useful here.




        1. MASTER KEY

        2. SKELETON KEY



        (Meriam-Webster)



        Universal Key



        Universal key is not a common term, and I can find no dictionary that includes it. A quick Google search suggests that by far the most common usage for this term is a “universal handcuff key,” a simple cylinder with a little “flag.” There may well be many handcuffs made to open with such a key, but it’s not going to open much else (and I suspect police actually use something else for their handcuffs anyway).



        Anyway, not what you are looking for.



        Lock picks and bump keys



        On the other hand, lock picks and bump keys are definitely theives’ tools, which can be used to open up locks with some skill and effort. Many locks are very easy to pick; many locks are nearly, if not outright, impossible to pick. Either way, lock picking is a skill and these tools help; they don’t just open the lock automatically for you.



        Importantly, even though a bump key is called a “key,” it doesn’t really work like one—you can’t just stick it in, turn it, and expect the lock to open. Instead, you have to “bump” the lock to get it to open. However, it’s worth noting that the bump key does bear some similarities to the original design of the skeleton key—like the skeleton key was filed smooth to foil cylinder locks, the bump key consists of several unusually-sharp points which can be used to bump pin-tumbler locks. Like the original skeleton key, the bump key is not useful for other lock designs. Unlike skeleton key, though, bump key has not reached the quasi-legendary status that skeleton key has, and it is not used for a hypothetical key-for-all-locks.






        share|improve this answer














        Skeleton key has been suggested by many other answers, but always as a secondary suggestion. That would be incorrect: it is the correct answer here. No other answer suggested, possibly excepting the archaic passe-partout, has this meaning.




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins)



        Many dictionaries, as well as Wikipedia, will tell you about the original design of a skeleton key: a key with all the ridges filed away so that it can open many locks. It’s actually where the name comes from, as stripping off the ridges was said to leave only the key’s “skeleton.” Anyway, that design only works on rather basic locks known as warded locks. Warded locks are not much in use anymore, largely because of the vulnerability to skeleton keys, therefore the original skeleton key design is not generally all that useful for theft.



        On the other hand, the term skeleton key has outlived the original design, and is often used to describe a hypothetical key that opens any lock, rather than just those susceptible to the original skeleton design. For instance,




        Many times refers to a magical key that will sucessfully unlock anything.




        (Urban Dictionary—note that by the third definition, the term has become a euphemism for sex, as most Urban Dictionary definitions eventually end up doing)



        Used metaphorically, then, skeleton key means a key that will open any lock. Given the sophistication of modern locks, and the many different designs for them, this is generally treated as a magical ability, since no actual key could open all of those different locks. In my experience, the metaphorical usage of skeleton key is far more common than the specific historical design that it is named after.



        Master Key



        Master keys are legitimate, intentional tools used by property owners, not thieves’ tools. Typically, a set of locks must be produced together, along with a master key that opens all of them; you usually can’t take some random set of locks and make a master key for all of them. For example, if you own a building, you might have the locks for your doors made with a master key, and then give it to a janitor for cleaning. If a thief got their hands on a master key for a building or whatever that they wished to rob, it makes the theft very easy, of course, but ultimately this is no different from stealing the key or keys that open whatever you need. The master key is easier because it’s one key that opens many locks.




        A master key is a key which will open all the locks in a set, even though each lock has its own different key.




        (Collins Dictionary)



        Passkey



        The word passkey can mean master key, or it can mean skeleton key. When used to mean skeleton key, it can have this meaning, but the fact that it can instead mean master key makes it less than useful here.




        1. MASTER KEY

        2. SKELETON KEY



        (Meriam-Webster)



        Universal Key



        Universal key is not a common term, and I can find no dictionary that includes it. A quick Google search suggests that by far the most common usage for this term is a “universal handcuff key,” a simple cylinder with a little “flag.” There may well be many handcuffs made to open with such a key, but it’s not going to open much else (and I suspect police actually use something else for their handcuffs anyway).



        Anyway, not what you are looking for.



        Lock picks and bump keys



        On the other hand, lock picks and bump keys are definitely theives’ tools, which can be used to open up locks with some skill and effort. Many locks are very easy to pick; many locks are nearly, if not outright, impossible to pick. Either way, lock picking is a skill and these tools help; they don’t just open the lock automatically for you.



        Importantly, even though a bump key is called a “key,” it doesn’t really work like one—you can’t just stick it in, turn it, and expect the lock to open. Instead, you have to “bump” the lock to get it to open. However, it’s worth noting that the bump key does bear some similarities to the original design of the skeleton key—like the skeleton key was filed smooth to foil cylinder locks, the bump key consists of several unusually-sharp points which can be used to bump pin-tumbler locks. Like the original skeleton key, the bump key is not useful for other lock designs. Unlike skeleton key, though, bump key has not reached the quasi-legendary status that skeleton key has, and it is not used for a hypothetical key-for-all-locks.







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 5 hours ago

























        answered 5 hours ago









        KRyan

        2,93121425




        2,93121425











        • Another phrase, especially useful with electronic security devices, is "back-door key". Essentially a master key the lock is engineered to accept, but whose existence is concealed from the owner of the lock by the maker.
          – supercat
          4 hours ago






        • 5




          I think this is the best answer, or at least the answer which most closely matches my experience. "Skeleton key" is exactly the phrase I would use for "key that a thief can use to open any lock" regardless of whether such a thing is physically possible or even really a physical key.
          – Kamil Drakari
          4 hours ago
















        • Another phrase, especially useful with electronic security devices, is "back-door key". Essentially a master key the lock is engineered to accept, but whose existence is concealed from the owner of the lock by the maker.
          – supercat
          4 hours ago






        • 5




          I think this is the best answer, or at least the answer which most closely matches my experience. "Skeleton key" is exactly the phrase I would use for "key that a thief can use to open any lock" regardless of whether such a thing is physically possible or even really a physical key.
          – Kamil Drakari
          4 hours ago















        Another phrase, especially useful with electronic security devices, is "back-door key". Essentially a master key the lock is engineered to accept, but whose existence is concealed from the owner of the lock by the maker.
        – supercat
        4 hours ago




        Another phrase, especially useful with electronic security devices, is "back-door key". Essentially a master key the lock is engineered to accept, but whose existence is concealed from the owner of the lock by the maker.
        – supercat
        4 hours ago




        5




        5




        I think this is the best answer, or at least the answer which most closely matches my experience. "Skeleton key" is exactly the phrase I would use for "key that a thief can use to open any lock" regardless of whether such a thing is physically possible or even really a physical key.
        – Kamil Drakari
        4 hours ago




        I think this is the best answer, or at least the answer which most closely matches my experience. "Skeleton key" is exactly the phrase I would use for "key that a thief can use to open any lock" regardless of whether such a thing is physically possible or even really a physical key.
        – Kamil Drakari
        4 hours ago










        up vote
        18
        down vote













        You are probably looking for passe-partout:




        something that secures entry everywhere, esp a master key




        Also skeleton key or passkey:




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins Dictionary)






        share|improve this answer


















        • 1




          I agree that this is great option, but it's an archaic term.
          – Ahmed
          11 hours ago






        • 30




          "Skeleton key" is exactly what OP is looking for. Passkey would probably fit, but, like "master key", implies legitimacy. I like passe-partout, but it really isn't in common use.
          – TimLymington
          11 hours ago






        • 14




          +1 to Skeleton key...and it would be helpful to the OP to know which word is being upvoted/downvoted if you answered just one word per answer.
          – Keeta
          10 hours ago






        • 11




          +1 for skeleton key as this is the one according to OPs clarification. The main difference (missing in the answer) is that a master key is a key intended for a set of locks, e.g. all locks in a specific building. This is usually used by someone with a high access to all premises. If a thief gets hand on one they'll access any room in the specific building (which helps in a theft for sure) but they need to steal the key (or obtain it some other way). A skeleton key is a key used to open a lock for which you don't have a valid key, i.e. to pick a lock. And that's what thieves do (and own).
          – Ister
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          @user240918 My mother tongue is German, and the German word "Dietrich" was the word that came into my mind immediately. A quick dictionary lookup showed "skeleton key", "picklock" and "lockpick". IMHO, "passe-partout" is more common for the wide border between a picture and its frame.
          – rexkogitans
          7 hours ago














        up vote
        18
        down vote













        You are probably looking for passe-partout:




        something that secures entry everywhere, esp a master key




        Also skeleton key or passkey:




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins Dictionary)






        share|improve this answer


















        • 1




          I agree that this is great option, but it's an archaic term.
          – Ahmed
          11 hours ago






        • 30




          "Skeleton key" is exactly what OP is looking for. Passkey would probably fit, but, like "master key", implies legitimacy. I like passe-partout, but it really isn't in common use.
          – TimLymington
          11 hours ago






        • 14




          +1 to Skeleton key...and it would be helpful to the OP to know which word is being upvoted/downvoted if you answered just one word per answer.
          – Keeta
          10 hours ago






        • 11




          +1 for skeleton key as this is the one according to OPs clarification. The main difference (missing in the answer) is that a master key is a key intended for a set of locks, e.g. all locks in a specific building. This is usually used by someone with a high access to all premises. If a thief gets hand on one they'll access any room in the specific building (which helps in a theft for sure) but they need to steal the key (or obtain it some other way). A skeleton key is a key used to open a lock for which you don't have a valid key, i.e. to pick a lock. And that's what thieves do (and own).
          – Ister
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          @user240918 My mother tongue is German, and the German word "Dietrich" was the word that came into my mind immediately. A quick dictionary lookup showed "skeleton key", "picklock" and "lockpick". IMHO, "passe-partout" is more common for the wide border between a picture and its frame.
          – rexkogitans
          7 hours ago












        up vote
        18
        down vote










        up vote
        18
        down vote









        You are probably looking for passe-partout:




        something that secures entry everywhere, esp a master key




        Also skeleton key or passkey:




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins Dictionary)






        share|improve this answer














        You are probably looking for passe-partout:




        something that secures entry everywhere, esp a master key




        Also skeleton key or passkey:




        A skeleton key is a key which has been specially made so that it will open many different locks.




        (Collins Dictionary)







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited 11 hours ago

























        answered 11 hours ago









        user240918

        20.3k855132




        20.3k855132







        • 1




          I agree that this is great option, but it's an archaic term.
          – Ahmed
          11 hours ago






        • 30




          "Skeleton key" is exactly what OP is looking for. Passkey would probably fit, but, like "master key", implies legitimacy. I like passe-partout, but it really isn't in common use.
          – TimLymington
          11 hours ago






        • 14




          +1 to Skeleton key...and it would be helpful to the OP to know which word is being upvoted/downvoted if you answered just one word per answer.
          – Keeta
          10 hours ago






        • 11




          +1 for skeleton key as this is the one according to OPs clarification. The main difference (missing in the answer) is that a master key is a key intended for a set of locks, e.g. all locks in a specific building. This is usually used by someone with a high access to all premises. If a thief gets hand on one they'll access any room in the specific building (which helps in a theft for sure) but they need to steal the key (or obtain it some other way). A skeleton key is a key used to open a lock for which you don't have a valid key, i.e. to pick a lock. And that's what thieves do (and own).
          – Ister
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          @user240918 My mother tongue is German, and the German word "Dietrich" was the word that came into my mind immediately. A quick dictionary lookup showed "skeleton key", "picklock" and "lockpick". IMHO, "passe-partout" is more common for the wide border between a picture and its frame.
          – rexkogitans
          7 hours ago












        • 1




          I agree that this is great option, but it's an archaic term.
          – Ahmed
          11 hours ago






        • 30




          "Skeleton key" is exactly what OP is looking for. Passkey would probably fit, but, like "master key", implies legitimacy. I like passe-partout, but it really isn't in common use.
          – TimLymington
          11 hours ago






        • 14




          +1 to Skeleton key...and it would be helpful to the OP to know which word is being upvoted/downvoted if you answered just one word per answer.
          – Keeta
          10 hours ago






        • 11




          +1 for skeleton key as this is the one according to OPs clarification. The main difference (missing in the answer) is that a master key is a key intended for a set of locks, e.g. all locks in a specific building. This is usually used by someone with a high access to all premises. If a thief gets hand on one they'll access any room in the specific building (which helps in a theft for sure) but they need to steal the key (or obtain it some other way). A skeleton key is a key used to open a lock for which you don't have a valid key, i.e. to pick a lock. And that's what thieves do (and own).
          – Ister
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          @user240918 My mother tongue is German, and the German word "Dietrich" was the word that came into my mind immediately. A quick dictionary lookup showed "skeleton key", "picklock" and "lockpick". IMHO, "passe-partout" is more common for the wide border between a picture and its frame.
          – rexkogitans
          7 hours ago







        1




        1




        I agree that this is great option, but it's an archaic term.
        – Ahmed
        11 hours ago




        I agree that this is great option, but it's an archaic term.
        – Ahmed
        11 hours ago




        30




        30




        "Skeleton key" is exactly what OP is looking for. Passkey would probably fit, but, like "master key", implies legitimacy. I like passe-partout, but it really isn't in common use.
        – TimLymington
        11 hours ago




        "Skeleton key" is exactly what OP is looking for. Passkey would probably fit, but, like "master key", implies legitimacy. I like passe-partout, but it really isn't in common use.
        – TimLymington
        11 hours ago




        14




        14




        +1 to Skeleton key...and it would be helpful to the OP to know which word is being upvoted/downvoted if you answered just one word per answer.
        – Keeta
        10 hours ago




        +1 to Skeleton key...and it would be helpful to the OP to know which word is being upvoted/downvoted if you answered just one word per answer.
        – Keeta
        10 hours ago




        11




        11




        +1 for skeleton key as this is the one according to OPs clarification. The main difference (missing in the answer) is that a master key is a key intended for a set of locks, e.g. all locks in a specific building. This is usually used by someone with a high access to all premises. If a thief gets hand on one they'll access any room in the specific building (which helps in a theft for sure) but they need to steal the key (or obtain it some other way). A skeleton key is a key used to open a lock for which you don't have a valid key, i.e. to pick a lock. And that's what thieves do (and own).
        – Ister
        10 hours ago




        +1 for skeleton key as this is the one according to OPs clarification. The main difference (missing in the answer) is that a master key is a key intended for a set of locks, e.g. all locks in a specific building. This is usually used by someone with a high access to all premises. If a thief gets hand on one they'll access any room in the specific building (which helps in a theft for sure) but they need to steal the key (or obtain it some other way). A skeleton key is a key used to open a lock for which you don't have a valid key, i.e. to pick a lock. And that's what thieves do (and own).
        – Ister
        10 hours ago




        1




        1




        @user240918 My mother tongue is German, and the German word "Dietrich" was the word that came into my mind immediately. A quick dictionary lookup showed "skeleton key", "picklock" and "lockpick". IMHO, "passe-partout" is more common for the wide border between a picture and its frame.
        – rexkogitans
        7 hours ago




        @user240918 My mother tongue is German, and the German word "Dietrich" was the word that came into my mind immediately. A quick dictionary lookup showed "skeleton key", "picklock" and "lockpick". IMHO, "passe-partout" is more common for the wide border between a picture and its frame.
        – rexkogitans
        7 hours ago










        up vote
        7
        down vote













        You could call it a master key




        : a key designed to open several different locks



        • Similarly, hotel rooms around the world are vulnerable to a hack that lets an intruder mimic a hotel's master key and open any door.



        Brian Barrett, WIRED, "Security News This Week: The Biggest DDoS For Hire Site Goes Down," 28 Apr. 2018



        or a skeleton key




        a key that will open several doors




        Thieves may have used 'skeleton key' in Wigan break-ins






        share|improve this answer
















        • 5




          Perhaps worth noting that a skeleton key is a specific subtype of master key—a key with elements filed down to bypass the parts of a (poorly designed) lock that actually do the locking, instead operating the actuator directly. It is possible to create a master key for a set of properly designed locks without any of them being vulnerable to a skeleton key.
          – Anko
          11 hours ago














        up vote
        7
        down vote













        You could call it a master key




        : a key designed to open several different locks



        • Similarly, hotel rooms around the world are vulnerable to a hack that lets an intruder mimic a hotel's master key and open any door.



        Brian Barrett, WIRED, "Security News This Week: The Biggest DDoS For Hire Site Goes Down," 28 Apr. 2018



        or a skeleton key




        a key that will open several doors




        Thieves may have used 'skeleton key' in Wigan break-ins






        share|improve this answer
















        • 5




          Perhaps worth noting that a skeleton key is a specific subtype of master key—a key with elements filed down to bypass the parts of a (poorly designed) lock that actually do the locking, instead operating the actuator directly. It is possible to create a master key for a set of properly designed locks without any of them being vulnerable to a skeleton key.
          – Anko
          11 hours ago












        up vote
        7
        down vote










        up vote
        7
        down vote









        You could call it a master key




        : a key designed to open several different locks



        • Similarly, hotel rooms around the world are vulnerable to a hack that lets an intruder mimic a hotel's master key and open any door.



        Brian Barrett, WIRED, "Security News This Week: The Biggest DDoS For Hire Site Goes Down," 28 Apr. 2018



        or a skeleton key




        a key that will open several doors




        Thieves may have used 'skeleton key' in Wigan break-ins






        share|improve this answer












        You could call it a master key




        : a key designed to open several different locks



        • Similarly, hotel rooms around the world are vulnerable to a hack that lets an intruder mimic a hotel's master key and open any door.



        Brian Barrett, WIRED, "Security News This Week: The Biggest DDoS For Hire Site Goes Down," 28 Apr. 2018



        or a skeleton key




        a key that will open several doors




        Thieves may have used 'skeleton key' in Wigan break-ins







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 11 hours ago









        bookmanu

        4,3271133




        4,3271133







        • 5




          Perhaps worth noting that a skeleton key is a specific subtype of master key—a key with elements filed down to bypass the parts of a (poorly designed) lock that actually do the locking, instead operating the actuator directly. It is possible to create a master key for a set of properly designed locks without any of them being vulnerable to a skeleton key.
          – Anko
          11 hours ago












        • 5




          Perhaps worth noting that a skeleton key is a specific subtype of master key—a key with elements filed down to bypass the parts of a (poorly designed) lock that actually do the locking, instead operating the actuator directly. It is possible to create a master key for a set of properly designed locks without any of them being vulnerable to a skeleton key.
          – Anko
          11 hours ago







        5




        5




        Perhaps worth noting that a skeleton key is a specific subtype of master key—a key with elements filed down to bypass the parts of a (poorly designed) lock that actually do the locking, instead operating the actuator directly. It is possible to create a master key for a set of properly designed locks without any of them being vulnerable to a skeleton key.
        – Anko
        11 hours ago




        Perhaps worth noting that a skeleton key is a specific subtype of master key—a key with elements filed down to bypass the parts of a (poorly designed) lock that actually do the locking, instead operating the actuator directly. It is possible to create a master key for a set of properly designed locks without any of them being vulnerable to a skeleton key.
        – Anko
        11 hours ago










        up vote
        4
        down vote













        What about a master key




        master key (noun)



        1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key.






        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.













        • 1




          Oldest correct answer!
          – Pedro Lobito
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          This not the correct answer. A master key is custom made to order for a specific set of locks. If a thief has it or the ring of keys that also open the specific set of locks, they only have access to those specific locks.
          – James Jenkins
          6 hours ago















        up vote
        4
        down vote













        What about a master key




        master key (noun)



        1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key.






        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.













        • 1




          Oldest correct answer!
          – Pedro Lobito
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          This not the correct answer. A master key is custom made to order for a specific set of locks. If a thief has it or the ring of keys that also open the specific set of locks, they only have access to those specific locks.
          – James Jenkins
          6 hours ago













        up vote
        4
        down vote










        up vote
        4
        down vote









        What about a master key




        master key (noun)



        1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key.






        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        What about a master key




        master key (noun)



        1. a key that opens several locks, each of which also has its own key.







        share|improve this answer








        New contributor




        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer






        New contributor




        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.









        answered 11 hours ago









        Eugene

        754




        754




        New contributor




        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.





        New contributor





        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.






        Eugene is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
        Check out our Code of Conduct.







        • 1




          Oldest correct answer!
          – Pedro Lobito
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          This not the correct answer. A master key is custom made to order for a specific set of locks. If a thief has it or the ring of keys that also open the specific set of locks, they only have access to those specific locks.
          – James Jenkins
          6 hours ago













        • 1




          Oldest correct answer!
          – Pedro Lobito
          10 hours ago






        • 1




          This not the correct answer. A master key is custom made to order for a specific set of locks. If a thief has it or the ring of keys that also open the specific set of locks, they only have access to those specific locks.
          – James Jenkins
          6 hours ago








        1




        1




        Oldest correct answer!
        – Pedro Lobito
        10 hours ago




        Oldest correct answer!
        – Pedro Lobito
        10 hours ago




        1




        1




        This not the correct answer. A master key is custom made to order for a specific set of locks. If a thief has it or the ring of keys that also open the specific set of locks, they only have access to those specific locks.
        – James Jenkins
        6 hours ago





        This not the correct answer. A master key is custom made to order for a specific set of locks. If a thief has it or the ring of keys that also open the specific set of locks, they only have access to those specific locks.
        – James Jenkins
        6 hours ago











        up vote
        4
        down vote













        In terms of what modern thieves are likely to actually use, consider bump key.



        Bump keys are specific to a lock type, effectively single use and they require considerable force to work. They are quite inelegant, although very effective and extremely fast to operate - they work in seconds.




        Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key, rapping key or a
        999 key.



        ...



        Lock bumping is a trend in burglaries, which can make it easy and fast
        to break into homes without needing too much special equipment or
        leaving any trace of forced entry. It works almost as well as actually
        having a key, and a set of ten rapping keys can make the criminals
        capable of opening 90% of common tumbler locks. However, criminals
        might choose to avoid lock bumping when stealth is required, because
        of the noisiness of the process. Almost all tumbler locks are
        vulnerable to bumping.




        (However, I think you have already got an equivalent expression to your thief's key in skeleton key, which is dated enough to have charm, is a word children would know, and also has a hint of the sinister about it.)






        share|improve this answer




















        • Any of the better in-patent locks (Primus, Medeco etc.) will be resistant to bumping because they use really weird keyways that have additional keying in the keyway that won't bump. Only the mfgr. Can make the odd keyway features and only your locksmith can obtain them. They cost about $70 per tumbler set and $13 per key, and they go in higher quality knobsets that cost a fortune (by big-box store residential standards). Would I use one on my house? You bet your bippy.
          – Harper
          2 hours ago















        up vote
        4
        down vote













        In terms of what modern thieves are likely to actually use, consider bump key.



        Bump keys are specific to a lock type, effectively single use and they require considerable force to work. They are quite inelegant, although very effective and extremely fast to operate - they work in seconds.




        Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key, rapping key or a
        999 key.



        ...



        Lock bumping is a trend in burglaries, which can make it easy and fast
        to break into homes without needing too much special equipment or
        leaving any trace of forced entry. It works almost as well as actually
        having a key, and a set of ten rapping keys can make the criminals
        capable of opening 90% of common tumbler locks. However, criminals
        might choose to avoid lock bumping when stealth is required, because
        of the noisiness of the process. Almost all tumbler locks are
        vulnerable to bumping.




        (However, I think you have already got an equivalent expression to your thief's key in skeleton key, which is dated enough to have charm, is a word children would know, and also has a hint of the sinister about it.)






        share|improve this answer




















        • Any of the better in-patent locks (Primus, Medeco etc.) will be resistant to bumping because they use really weird keyways that have additional keying in the keyway that won't bump. Only the mfgr. Can make the odd keyway features and only your locksmith can obtain them. They cost about $70 per tumbler set and $13 per key, and they go in higher quality knobsets that cost a fortune (by big-box store residential standards). Would I use one on my house? You bet your bippy.
          – Harper
          2 hours ago













        up vote
        4
        down vote










        up vote
        4
        down vote









        In terms of what modern thieves are likely to actually use, consider bump key.



        Bump keys are specific to a lock type, effectively single use and they require considerable force to work. They are quite inelegant, although very effective and extremely fast to operate - they work in seconds.




        Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key, rapping key or a
        999 key.



        ...



        Lock bumping is a trend in burglaries, which can make it easy and fast
        to break into homes without needing too much special equipment or
        leaving any trace of forced entry. It works almost as well as actually
        having a key, and a set of ten rapping keys can make the criminals
        capable of opening 90% of common tumbler locks. However, criminals
        might choose to avoid lock bumping when stealth is required, because
        of the noisiness of the process. Almost all tumbler locks are
        vulnerable to bumping.




        (However, I think you have already got an equivalent expression to your thief's key in skeleton key, which is dated enough to have charm, is a word children would know, and also has a hint of the sinister about it.)






        share|improve this answer












        In terms of what modern thieves are likely to actually use, consider bump key.



        Bump keys are specific to a lock type, effectively single use and they require considerable force to work. They are quite inelegant, although very effective and extremely fast to operate - they work in seconds.




        Lock bumping is a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key, rapping key or a
        999 key.



        ...



        Lock bumping is a trend in burglaries, which can make it easy and fast
        to break into homes without needing too much special equipment or
        leaving any trace of forced entry. It works almost as well as actually
        having a key, and a set of ten rapping keys can make the criminals
        capable of opening 90% of common tumbler locks. However, criminals
        might choose to avoid lock bumping when stealth is required, because
        of the noisiness of the process. Almost all tumbler locks are
        vulnerable to bumping.




        (However, I think you have already got an equivalent expression to your thief's key in skeleton key, which is dated enough to have charm, is a word children would know, and also has a hint of the sinister about it.)







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered 7 hours ago









        tmgr

        1,325614




        1,325614











        • Any of the better in-patent locks (Primus, Medeco etc.) will be resistant to bumping because they use really weird keyways that have additional keying in the keyway that won't bump. Only the mfgr. Can make the odd keyway features and only your locksmith can obtain them. They cost about $70 per tumbler set and $13 per key, and they go in higher quality knobsets that cost a fortune (by big-box store residential standards). Would I use one on my house? You bet your bippy.
          – Harper
          2 hours ago

















        • Any of the better in-patent locks (Primus, Medeco etc.) will be resistant to bumping because they use really weird keyways that have additional keying in the keyway that won't bump. Only the mfgr. Can make the odd keyway features and only your locksmith can obtain them. They cost about $70 per tumbler set and $13 per key, and they go in higher quality knobsets that cost a fortune (by big-box store residential standards). Would I use one on my house? You bet your bippy.
          – Harper
          2 hours ago
















        Any of the better in-patent locks (Primus, Medeco etc.) will be resistant to bumping because they use really weird keyways that have additional keying in the keyway that won't bump. Only the mfgr. Can make the odd keyway features and only your locksmith can obtain them. They cost about $70 per tumbler set and $13 per key, and they go in higher quality knobsets that cost a fortune (by big-box store residential standards). Would I use one on my house? You bet your bippy.
        – Harper
        2 hours ago





        Any of the better in-patent locks (Primus, Medeco etc.) will be resistant to bumping because they use really weird keyways that have additional keying in the keyway that won't bump. Only the mfgr. Can make the odd keyway features and only your locksmith can obtain them. They cost about $70 per tumbler set and $13 per key, and they go in higher quality knobsets that cost a fortune (by big-box store residential standards). Would I use one on my house? You bet your bippy.
        – Harper
        2 hours ago











        up vote
        4
        down vote













        If we get away from the practicalities of whether such keys exist in reality and look at keys which do exist in fairy-tales and other fiction, we find a clear distinction between a master key which is made with good intent, and only available to the thief by theft, deception etc., and a skeleton key which is made with evil intent. Supernatural forces are often used, either to actually make the key or to find out how to. A third method is to take an ordinary key and cast a spell on it. Whatever method you use the principle is that a skeleton key is the most widely understood term for a universal key made with evil intent and found in stories.






        share|improve this answer
























          up vote
          4
          down vote













          If we get away from the practicalities of whether such keys exist in reality and look at keys which do exist in fairy-tales and other fiction, we find a clear distinction between a master key which is made with good intent, and only available to the thief by theft, deception etc., and a skeleton key which is made with evil intent. Supernatural forces are often used, either to actually make the key or to find out how to. A third method is to take an ordinary key and cast a spell on it. Whatever method you use the principle is that a skeleton key is the most widely understood term for a universal key made with evil intent and found in stories.






          share|improve this answer






















            up vote
            4
            down vote










            up vote
            4
            down vote









            If we get away from the practicalities of whether such keys exist in reality and look at keys which do exist in fairy-tales and other fiction, we find a clear distinction between a master key which is made with good intent, and only available to the thief by theft, deception etc., and a skeleton key which is made with evil intent. Supernatural forces are often used, either to actually make the key or to find out how to. A third method is to take an ordinary key and cast a spell on it. Whatever method you use the principle is that a skeleton key is the most widely understood term for a universal key made with evil intent and found in stories.






            share|improve this answer












            If we get away from the practicalities of whether such keys exist in reality and look at keys which do exist in fairy-tales and other fiction, we find a clear distinction between a master key which is made with good intent, and only available to the thief by theft, deception etc., and a skeleton key which is made with evil intent. Supernatural forces are often used, either to actually make the key or to find out how to. A third method is to take an ordinary key and cast a spell on it. Whatever method you use the principle is that a skeleton key is the most widely understood term for a universal key made with evil intent and found in stories.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered 7 hours ago









            David Robinson

            37818




            37818




















                up vote
                2
                down vote













                Other answers have suggested this, but to make it clearer, no such key exists. A master key can open many locks, but not all. And even when there were skeleton keys in common use, there were also locks of other types, just as today there are tumbler locks with flat keys to lift pins, flat keys where the pins fit in holes on the flat side, and tubular keys (and several other types).






                share|improve this answer
























                  up vote
                  2
                  down vote













                  Other answers have suggested this, but to make it clearer, no such key exists. A master key can open many locks, but not all. And even when there were skeleton keys in common use, there were also locks of other types, just as today there are tumbler locks with flat keys to lift pins, flat keys where the pins fit in holes on the flat side, and tubular keys (and several other types).






                  share|improve this answer






















                    up vote
                    2
                    down vote










                    up vote
                    2
                    down vote









                    Other answers have suggested this, but to make it clearer, no such key exists. A master key can open many locks, but not all. And even when there were skeleton keys in common use, there were also locks of other types, just as today there are tumbler locks with flat keys to lift pins, flat keys where the pins fit in holes on the flat side, and tubular keys (and several other types).






                    share|improve this answer












                    Other answers have suggested this, but to make it clearer, no such key exists. A master key can open many locks, but not all. And even when there were skeleton keys in common use, there were also locks of other types, just as today there are tumbler locks with flat keys to lift pins, flat keys where the pins fit in holes on the flat side, and tubular keys (and several other types).







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered 6 hours ago









                    WGroleau

                    1195




                    1195




















                        up vote
                        1
                        down vote













                        Perhaps, people might consider it a pass key.




                        pass key noun



                        1. a key to the door of a
                          restricted area, given
                          only to those who are
                          officially allowed access.


                        2. a master key.







                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          1
                          down vote













                          Perhaps, people might consider it a pass key.




                          pass key noun



                          1. a key to the door of a
                            restricted area, given
                            only to those who are
                            officially allowed access.


                          2. a master key.







                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            1
                            down vote









                            Perhaps, people might consider it a pass key.




                            pass key noun



                            1. a key to the door of a
                              restricted area, given
                              only to those who are
                              officially allowed access.


                            2. a master key.







                            share|improve this answer












                            Perhaps, people might consider it a pass key.




                            pass key noun



                            1. a key to the door of a
                              restricted area, given
                              only to those who are
                              officially allowed access.


                            2. a master key.








                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered 11 hours ago









                            James Wolpert

                            3512




                            3512



























                                 

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