Contextualizebeta

keys to the kingdom

noun

Etymology

Originating from the concept of resources that were the means of obtaining control over an actual kingdom, i.e., a realm under the rulership of a king. Compare also King James Bible Matthew 16:19, "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven."

Definitions

  1. A resource, usually information or knowledge, the possession of which gives the possessor…

    A resource, usually information or knowledge, the possession of which gives the possessor access to power.

    • This fortress, from its strong position, was considered as one of the keys to the kingdom, and had belonged to the Earl of March, a disappointed candidate for the crown, who had now attached himself to the banner of England.
    • The passwords they control are the keys to the kingdom, so what protections should be taken?
    • Not many people bother to learn them these days. Everything is so rushed, so many demands on a senator's time. But these rules unlock the power of the Senate. They're the keys to the kingdom.

The neighborhood

Vish — recursive loop

No curated loop yet for keys to the kingdom. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.

sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA