church key

church key

A tool used to remove caps from glass bottles and puncture lids on cans. The phrase can also be used simply as slang for a bottle opener. Be sure to bring a church key with you so we can open up the bottles! Here, use this church key to open that can of soup.
See also: church, key
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

church key

a two-ended device used to remove bottle tops and to pierce a hole in can lids. I'm looking for the church key so I can open this beer. She opened the can of tomato juice with the church key.
See also: church, key
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

church key

n. a beer can opener designed to puncture a can, leaving a triangular hole; a bottle opener. (Older. No longer widely known, but still in use. One type of bottle opener is formed from metal following the outline of a large keyhole. This may have contributed to the origin of this term.) Where is the church key when I need it?
See also: church, key
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • eggs is eggs
  • damn well
  • a cold day in Hell
  • 10-4
  • as one does
  • best foot forward
  • (one's) best foot forward
  • come in
  • come in a certain position
  • come on in
References in periodicals archive
After building his own foundation, Engert created a 150-page manual for the staff of Birch & Barley and Church Key that provides a comprehensive view of the finer points of beer service.
Beer sommeliers: the industry's renewed focus on beer training is aimed at increasing sales
Long ago, after the once Catholic place of worship changed hands, its last Catholic caretaker vowed on his deathbed that his hand, the one in which he'd held the church keys for years, would never rot until they were returned to the rightful owners - the Catholics.
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EmmerdaleITV1, weekdays As Ashley hands his church keys back he worries where he can spend the night.
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Guests were entertained by the music of The Church Keys. On the eve of the wedding, the bridegroom's parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at the Laurel Country Club.
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In each case, masked men broke in in the middle of the night and took the church keys.
Cash plea to beat church crimewave; Merseyside crisis as more than 600 cases reported
He has agreed to return his set of church keys and not to take undertake any official activities until further notice.
Abuse claims rock church
"The change was acknow-ledged by Father Cashman in handing over accounts, records and church keys to the new curate."
IS THIS THE REAL FATHER JACK?; Irate priest: 'I shall not be moved'
They beat a few youths who tried to enter the church, but returned the church keys the same night.
WORLD
Church officials said in a letter to Bigby that he also started a new church in Corvallis without denominational approval and refused to turn over the church keys at St.
Minister's style fails to win over church leaders
With an indelible pop melody, church keys and a stunning and emotional vocal performance from Raye, this song can't help but leave you moved."
Rising pop star releases single; E&S BRIEFING
Al Hosseini family has been holding the church keys for 850 years.
Key holder of Church in Jerusalem refuses to meet Pence