master keys

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "master keys" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you refer to keys that can open multiple locks or systems, often in security or access management scenarios. Example: "The building manager issued master keys to the maintenance staff to ensure they could access all areas of the facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Most managers prefer officers to use master keys instead of destroying hotel doors.

The New York Times

Two Marriott employees with master keys, including Mr. Malahi, began to go room to room.

The New York Times

He said officers are not trained to ask for master keys, but that they are often within their legal rights to do so.

The New York Times

If you want a preview of what a back door looks like, just look at the US Transportation Security Administration's "master keys" for the locks on our luggage.

The Guardian - Tech

As lawyer/computer scientist Jonathan Mayer explained, adding the complexity of master keys to our technology will "introduce unquantifiable security risks".

The Guardian - Tech

The locks, sold widely in stores, are supposed to be opened only by T.S.A. inspectors with master keys or combination codes.

The New York Times

Some computer security specialists said at the time that the compromised information was a file of master keys — long numbers — that are a part of the RSA encryption system.

The New York Times

Postal workers have been harassed, robbed and, in one case, murdered as they have made their rounds with mail trucks full of debit cards and master keys to mailboxes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This is a small insulated screwdriver...a beeper for when the superintendent wants to reach me...my house keys, building keys, storage keys, master keys&the keys to the tool cabinet in the basement..."....

The New Yorker

This is a small insulated screwdriver...a beeper for when the superintendent wants to reach me...my house keys, building keys, storage keys, master keys&the keys to the tool cabinet in the basement...".

The New Yorker

Although protein interactions identified by the peptide-binding assay require formal validation using endogenous proteins, the observation led to the proposal by Selbach and Backert that the bacterial EPIYA motifs act as pathogenic 'master keys' that perturb multiple signalling pathways through promiscuous binding with SH2 domain-containing proteins (Backert et al., 2010).

Cellular Microbiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the connotations associated with "master keys". They can imply both convenience and security risks, so choose your words carefully to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "master keys" as a blanket term for any type of privileged access. Be specific about the system or context to ensure clarity. For example, don't use "master keys" when referring to administrator privileges in a software system without clarifying the connection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "master keys" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a set of keys designed to open multiple locks or systems. Ludwig examples show usage in contexts ranging from physical security (hotel doors) to digital security (encryption systems) and access management.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "master keys" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that refers to keys capable of opening multiple locks or systems. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and accepted. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, with a neutral register. It’s important to consider the connotations and potential security implications when using the phrase. Alternatives such as "universal keys" or "access keys" may be suitable depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid overgeneralizing the term and always specify the system or context you're referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

universal keys

Emphasizes the broad applicability and access granted by the keys.

passkeys

Highlights the function of the keys as granting passage or entry.

override keys

Focuses on the ability of the keys to bypass or override standard security measures.

skeleton keys

Refers to a type of key designed to open many different locks, often antique.

control keys

Stresses the aspect of control and authority associated with the keys.

access keys

Directly refers to the function of providing access.

main keys

Highlights the primary or principal nature of the keys.

keycards

Refers to cards that grant access, often electronic or magnetic.

key codes

Focuses on the numerical or alphanumeric codes that grant access.

golden keys

Implies a privileged or unrestricted level of access.

FAQs

How are "master keys" used in physical security?

In physical security, "master keys" are designed to open multiple locks within a system, such as those in a hotel or apartment complex. This allows authorized personnel to access different areas easily. However, the security risk is higher compared to single-lock keys.

What is the difference between "master keys" and regular keys?

A regular key opens only one specific lock, while "master keys" are designed to open multiple locks within a system. Regular keys provide more security for individual locks, whereas master keys are more convenient for management purposes.

What are some alternatives to using "master keys" in a digital security context?

In digital security, instead of "master keys", alternatives include role-based access control (RBAC), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and granular permissions. These methods offer more control and reduce the risk associated with a single point of failure.

Are there security risks associated with using "master keys"?

Yes, using "master keys" poses significant security risks. If a master key is lost or stolen, it can compromise the security of multiple locks or systems at once. Regular keys offer better security for individual locks as a single key only opens one lock.