Definition

1. Noun:
   • A magical command; used by Ali Baba: A phrase that magically opens a locked door or entrance, originating from the story "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" in One Thousand and One Nights.
   • Any very successful means of achieving a result: A metaphor for a seemingly magical key, password, or method that effortlessly grants access to something desired, unlocks opportunities, or solves a difficult problem.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • In the tale, Ali Baba used the words "open sesame" to enter the thieves' secret cave.
  • A prestigious university degree is often seen as an open sesame to high-paying careers.
  • Knowing the right person can sometimes be the open sesame to getting a job in that industry.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a metaphor: The term is almost exclusively used figuratively in modern English to describe a powerful enabler.
  • For the startup, that venture capital investment was the open sesame to rapid growth and market access.

Variants and Related Words

• Magic word (n): A word or phrase believed to have special power to cause something to happen. (Less specific than "open sesame").
• Passkey (n): A key that opens several locks; a master key. (A literal, non-magical equivalent).
• Golden ticket (n): A modern metaphorical synonym, from , meaning a highly coveted pass to opportunity.

Synonyms

• Key: Something that provides a means of achieving or understanding something.
• Password: A secret word or phrase that grants access.
• Panacea: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases. (While similar in function as a universal solution, "panacea" is less about and more about ).

Related Idioms

• Magic bullet: A quick and effortless solution to a difficult problem. (This shares the connotation of an effortless solution but lacks the specific imagery of or ).
• In like Flynn: To gain access easily and successfully. (This idiom refers to successful entry but lacks the magical or metaphorical depth of "open sesame").

Noun

1. a magical command; used by Ali Baba
2. any very successful means of achieving a result