passe-partout
Noun: 1. A master key; a key that opens many locks: A single key designed to open a variety of different locks, providing access to many places. 2. A method of framing a picture: A mounting or frame for a picture, typically consisting of a piece of cardboard with a central opening (a mat) and a sheet of glass, all held together with adhesive tape or a backing, often used for inexpensive or temporary display.
- As a master key:
- The janitor carries a passe-partout to access all the rooms in the building.
- In the old mansion, the butler possessed the passe-partout.
- As a picture frame/mount:
- She put her favorite photograph in a simple passe-partout.
- The exhibition featured many drawings mounted in white passe-partouts.
- Figurative Use: The term can be used metaphorically to describe something that provides universal access or solves many problems.
- A strong network is often seen as a professional passe-partout.
- Fluency in English became his passe-partout to international opportunities.
- Passkey (n): A synonym for a master key.
- Skeleton key (n): A type of key designed to open many simple locks, similar in function to a passe-partout.
- Mat (n): In framing, the cardboard border within a frame or passe-partout that surrounds the picture.
- For the key meaning: master key, skeleton key, universal key.
- For the framing meaning: mounting, mat, picture frame.
The two primary meanings of "passe-partout" are distinct but share a conceptual link of providing access or a means of inclusion. 1. The key meaning is literal (physical access) and can be extended figuratively. 2. The framing meaning is specialized to the context of art and photography, where the mount "allows" the picture to be displayed.
- The word is borrowed from French, where literally means "passes everywhere," perfectly capturing the function of a master key. This sense was extended to the picture frame, which allows a picture to be "presented everywhere" in a neat, standardized format.
- While not a phrasal verb, the French phrase itself is used in English.
- a mounting for a picture using gummed tape
- key that secures entrance everywhere