open sesame

noun

1. any marvelously effective means for bringing about a desired result:

   Wealth is the open sesame to happiness.

open sesame

noun

1. a very successful means of achieving a result

Word History and Origins

Origin of open sesame¹

First recorded in 1785–95; from the use of these words by Ali Baba to open the door of the robbers' den

Word History and Origins

Origin of open sesame¹

from the magical words used by Ali Baba in The Arabian Nights' Entertainments to open the door of the robbers' den

Example Sentences

As the situation stands, he said, in large parts of the state, “it’s still open sesame.”

From Los Angeles Times

“When an aggressive group like this gets an open sesame to many desirable systems, they are going to use it widely.”

From Washington Post

But David Davis, the former Brexit secretary who resigned over the Chequers agreement, said the caveat - "except in the national interest" - was an "incredible open sesame to all".

From BBC

You'll be able to say "OK Google, open sesame" into your wrist and have your front door unlock.

From The Verge

The wearer simply needs to shout into the watch face, “OK Google, open sesame” to open the app.

From Time