open sesame
noun
any marvelously effective means for bringing about a desired result: Wealth is the open sesame to happiness.
Origin of open sesame
First recorded in 1785–95; from the use of these words by Ali Baba to open the door of the robbers' den
Words nearby open sesame
open sea,
open season,
open season on,
open secret,
open sentence,
open sesame,
open set,
open shop,
open side,
open sight,
open slather
Example sentences from the Web for open sesame
There are a dozen men in the city, a line from whom would be an open-sesame.
Moon-Face and Other Stories |Jack LondonThe conserje in the Patio de la Monteria scanned the open-sesame.
The Story of Seville |Walter M. GallichanShe had expected the name to act as an open-sesame, and it was not even recognised.
The Daughters of a Genius |Mrs. George de Horne VaizeyThis open-sesame for the iron gates was given to each person with the warning that it must not be forgotten.
A Trip to the Orient |Robert Urie Jacob
British Dictionary definitions for open sesame
open sesame
noun
a very successful means of achieving a result
Word Origin for open sesame
from the magical words used by Ali Baba in
The Arabian Nights' Entertainments to open the door of the robbers' den