chief key

[/tʃiːf kiː/]
nounpl: chief keys
chave mestra; chave principal
1. The most important or primary key that provides access to something or unlocks the main solution to a problem
The chief key to success in business is understanding your customer's needs.
A chave principal para o sucesso nos negócios é entender as necessidades do cliente.
2. In security or lock systems, the master key that opens all locks in a system
The superintendent kept the chief key to all apartments in the building.
O síndico guardava a chave mestra de todos os apartamentos do edifício.
3. In music, the fundamental or primary tonality or key signature
The composition begins in the chief key of C major.
A composição começa na tonalidade principal de Dó maior.
The term 'chief key' is often used metaphorically in both English and Portuguese to refer to the fundamental solution or most important element needed to achieve a goal. In security contexts, it's a literal term referring to master keys used by building administrators and property managers in both Brazilian and American contexts.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
master keyprimary keymain keyprincipal key
Antonyms / Antônimos
secondary keyminor keyduplicate key

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
chave mestra; chave principal
Both terms are commonly used in business and security contexts
Portugal
chave mestra; chave principal
Same usage as Brazilian Portuguese
USA
chief key / master key
Master key is more commonly used in American English for lock systems

Related Words

keylockmasteraccesssolutiontonality

Related Idioms & Phrases

the key to success
hold the key to something
turn the key
unlock the secrets
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →