Welcome to our fun journey through the English language! Today, we’re exploring idioms that involve the word “key.” Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say but have a special meaning to people. They make talking and writing more colorful and interesting. Let’s unlock the mystery of these “key” idioms!
Key Idioms
Here are 20 key idioms in English.
1. Hold the key
Meaning: To have control or influence
Example: She holds the key to the project’s success.
2. Key to success
Meaning: Main reason something succeeds
Example: Hard work is the key to success.
3. Under lock and key
Meaning: Securely locked up
Example: The documents are kept under lock and key.
4. Key player
Meaning: An important or influential person
Example: He’s a key player in our team.
5. Key factor
Meaning: An important element
Example: Time is a key factor in this test.
6. Turnkey solution
Meaning: Ready-to-go answer
Example: They offer a turnkey solution for software needs.
7. Key up
Meaning: To excite or energize
Example: The crowd was keyed up for the concert.
8. Key into
Meaning: To understand or engage with
Example: She keyed into the issue quickly.
9. Low-key
Meaning: Understated, not excessive
Example: It was a low-key celebration at home.
10. High-key
Meaning: Obvious, cannot be hidden
Example: They were high-key excited about the trip.
11. Key witness
Meaning: Important person in a trial
Example: The key witness changed the trial’s outcome.
12. Key component
Meaning: Essential part
Example: Quality is a key component of our brand.
13. Key issue
Meaning: Main or important problem
Example: The key issue was lack of communication.
14. Key moment
Meaning: Critical or pivotal time
Example: That was the key moment of the match.
15. Key in on
Meaning: Focus or concentrate on
Example: He keyed in on the main points.
16. Key figure
Meaning: Important person in a situation
Example: She is a key figure in the negotiations.
17. Key to the city
Meaning: Honor given by a city
Example: He was given the key to the city.
18. Key demographic
Meaning: Important group for a particular reason
Example: Teens are our key demographic.
19. Skeleton key
Meaning: Key that opens many locks
Example: He used a skeleton key for the old doors.
20. Master key
Meaning: Key that can open many locks
Example: The janitor has the master key.
