hold the key

hold the key

To contain or provide the missing element or necessary explanation for something. Scientists are scouring the rainforest for medicinal plants in the hope that one of them holds the key to curing cancer. This passage holds the key to understanding the entire novel.
See also: hold, key
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • something in it
  • scour
  • scour (something or some place) for (someone or something)
  • scour for
  • end in
  • end in (something)
  • integrate into
  • integrate into (something)
  • swing the balance
  • crank in/into (something)
References in classic literature
Had I even the secret of one such mind, did I hold the key to the fancy of even one lunatic, I might advance my own branch of science to a pitch compared with which Burdon-Sanderson's physiology or Ferrier's brain knowledge would be as nothing.
Dracula
Orangutans can control their voice in a similar way to humans, with new research suggesting they may hold the key to how human speech evolved.
Orangutan 'voices' hold answers to human speech; Science: Study's insight into language evolution
The group was founded by entrepreneur Ean Parsons in 2000 in Sedgefield, County Durham, and is now one of the UK's largest multi-discipline shipping container businesses, operating its container division alongside selfstorage business U Hold the Key, which has sites across the North and Lincolnshire.
Container firm's new site offers huge potential
Global Banking News-December 10, 2018--Former Tesco Bank CEO says retailers hold the key to future banking operations
Former Tesco Bank CEO says retailers hold the key to future banking operations
M2 EQUITYBITES-December 10, 2018--Former Tesco Bank CEO says retailers hold the key to future banking operations
Former Tesco Bank CEO says retailers hold the key to future banking operations
BANKING AND CREDIT NEWS-December 10, 2018--Former Tesco Bank CEO says retailers hold the key to future banking operations
Former Tesco Bank CEO says retailers hold the key to future banking operations
Police believe Claudia's friends hold the key to the mystery
Missing chef Claudia Lawrence: Man arrested over disappearance claims police investigation is "transfixed"; David Robinson, 55, has broken his silence over the North Yorkshire police investigation
Summary: Kathmandu [Nepal], June 22 (ANI): Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said that political parties hold the key to development, prosperity and good governance as they not only steer the present political course of a country but also shape its future direction.
PM Oli highlights role of political parties in Beijing
Anne Robinson is going to have a go at finding out a few tips, however, during this programme - and meets five couples from very different backgrounds who really do believe they hold the key to unlocking marital happiness.
14 August 2017; MONDAY
Naturally, the deep reaches of Judaism hold the key.
It is So Utterly Painful To Be a D.C. Sports Fan. Does Judaism Hold the Key to Coping?
But I hold the key, and it's me who holds the key to the fight game.
Want to fight McGregor? 'Call me,' UFC chief tells Mayweather
But I hold the key. It is me who holds the key to the fight game.
Show me the Money; McGregor up for a cross-discipline fight against boxer Floyd ... if the price is right
Self storage firm U Hold The Key says demand for its container stores is rising.
U Hold The Key says demand for container stores is rising in the North East; The North East-based division of Parsons Containers says high occupancy levels are a good indicator of wider economic health
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 ITV, 7pm The dark lord Voldemort rises to ultimate power over the magical world, so the teenage wizard and his friends set out on a mission to find the magical horcruxes - artefacts containing parts of the evil wizard's soul that hold the key to destroying him.
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