a passkey with much of the bit filed away so that it can open different locks
A skeleton key (also known as a passingkey) is either a key that has been altered in such a way as to bypass the wards placed inside a warded lock, or a card that contains information necessary to open locks for a certain area like a hotel etc., or an American term for a lever or "bit" type key.
例句与用法
1.
The burglars had used skeleton keys or entered over the balcony . 窃贼或者用了万能钥匙,或者是爬越阳台进入房间的。
2.
Then, he reached into his pocket for skeleton key which he had just had in his hand, but it wasn't there . 接着他把手伸进口袋去掏万能钥匙。他刚才还拿在手里啊,但是现在没有了。
3.
The count soon heard the rattling of a bunch of skeleton keys , such as the locksmith brings when called to force a lock , and which thieves call nightingales , doubtless from the music of their nightly song when they grind against the bolt 伯爵不久就听到一人串钥匙的声音,就是铜匠老是放在身边准备开各种锁的那种钥匙串,这个玩意儿窃贼们称之为“夜莺” ,那无疑是因为开锁的时候它会唱出玎玲当啷的夜曲的缘故。