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You may have heard someone using the term ‘open sesame’ in a conversation and wondered what the saying meant. We are going to look into the meaning of this phrase and how it can be used in a conversation. We will also look at a little of the history behind this term and where it originally came from.
Open Sesame Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- The phrase “Open Sesame” refers to a magical command or key that unlocks something that is otherwise inaccessible.
Open Sesame Meaning
The idiom “Open Sesame” means a magical phrase or a key that provides instant access to something that is usually difficult to obtain or unlock. It symbolizes an effortless solution or means of gaining entry to a place, opportunity, or secret.
Origin of this Idiom
The term ‘open sesame’ first came from the fairytale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The phrase was a magical term used to open a cave full of treasure. Some say that it is a play on the words open says me.
Usage of “Open Sesame”
- To describe a solution to a problem:
- “This password is the open sesame to all the company’s confidential files.”
- Referring to a key to success:
- “For him, a degree from a top university was the open sesame to a successful career.”
- Talking about a magical or sudden transformation:
- “The new technology acted like an open sesame, transforming the way we work overnight.”
- In a metaphorical sense:
- “Her friendly smile was the open sesame that helped her make new friends wherever she went.”
- Describing a moment of unlocking possibilities:
- “The grant money was the open sesame that allowed the project to move forward.”
Related Terms to “Open Sesame”
- Golden key – Refers to something that provides access to success or a solution to a problem.
- Magic bullet – A simple and seemingly miraculous solution to a difficult problem.
- Skeleton key – A key that can unlock many different locks, metaphorically used to describe something that opens many opportunities.
- Key to success – Refers to something crucial that helps achieve success.
- Silver bullet – Another term for a simple, seemingly perfect solution to a complex problem.
- Unlock the door – A metaphor for gaining access to new opportunities or solutions.
- Gateway – A means of access or a path to something greater or more significant.
- Passkey – A figurative term for something that provides access to a specific opportunity or achievement.
- Master key – A key that can open several locks, metaphorically representing something that solves multiple problems or grants wide access.
- Ticket – Used metaphorically to refer to something that grants access to a desired outcome.
Other Ways to Say the Phrase
There are other ways in which you can express the meaning behind the term ‘open sesame.’
Here are some examples of other things you might say.
- Open says me
- Open up
“Open Sesame” Examples
Examples in Statements
This is a statement which is being made by a man at his front door.
- ‘The key is turning but it won’t open, turn the key and open sesame.’
Here is a statement being made by a child.
- ‘This is my jewelry box, open sesame and look at all the pretty things inside.’
Other examples:
- A university degree isn’t always an open sesame to a good job.
- He discovered that having wealth wasn’t an open sesame to gaining respect.
- He seems to think that wealth is the open sesame to happiness.
- A college education is no longer an open sesame to success.
Conversation Examples
If you are curious to understand how the term ‘open sesame’ is used in a conversation, here are some examples to demonstrate what it might sound like.
The first conversation is happening between two friends in the car.
- Person 1: “Can you get me my chewing gum please, it is in the glove compartment.”
- Person 2: “It won’t open.”
- Person 1: “It can be a bit stiff sometimes.”
- Person 1: “Open sesame.”
This next conversation is taking place between two people working in a shop.
- Person 1: “The cash register won’t open.”
- Person 2: “Just give it a good bang and open sesame.”
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