Keys don’t just open locks—they’ve unlocked plenty of colourful expressions in English too! Think about being the “key player” in your school’s football team, or finding the “key to success” before an exam. We often use the word “key” to show importance, solutions, or even secrets. These sayings make language easier to remember and more fun to use. From “under lock and key” to “turn the key,” they pop up in everyday conversations more than you might realise. In today's DHIE, let’s explore these key-inspired idioms and see how they fit into daily life..Key to successMeaning: The main factor needed to achieve something.Example: Hard work is the key to success in studies..Key playerMeaning: An important person in a group or team.Example: Riya is a key player in our school’s basketball team..Under lock and keyMeaning: Kept safe and secure.Example: The exam papers are kept under lock and key..Turn the keyMeaning: To start something new.Example: She turned the key on a new chapter by joining college..The key pointMeaning: The most important idea.Example: The key point of the lesson was climate change..Golden keyMeaning: A valuable solution or opportunity.Example: Education is the golden key to a bright future..Key momentMeaning: An important or decisive event.Example: The key moment in the match was the last-minute goal..Key to someone’s heartMeaning: The way to win someone’s love or trust.Example: Laughter is often the key to someone’s heart..Keynote speechMeaning: The main speech at an event.Example: The principal gave the keynote speech on Independence Day..Key decisionMeaning: An important choice.Example: Choosing subjects in high school is a key decision..With the keys in your handMeaning: Having full control or responsibility.Example: As class leader, she has the keys in her hand..Master keyMeaning: A single solution to many problems.Example: Communication is the master key to healthy friendships..Key issueMeaning: The most important problem.Example: Pollution is the key issue in today’s environment..Skeleton keyMeaning: A tool that can open many locks; metaphorically, one solution for many barriers.Example: Knowledge acts like a skeleton key, opening different doors in life.
