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