turnkey

/'tə:nki:/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
turnkey

The turnkey unlocks the cell door with a large metal key.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A prison guard or jailer: A person whose job is to guard prisoners in a jail or prison. This term historically refers to the individual responsible for holding and using the keys to lock and unlock prison cells.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The turnkey locked the cell door after the inspection.
    • In the old story, the prisoner bribed the turnkey to escape.
Advanced Usage
  • The term "turnkey" is considered somewhat archaic or historical in modern English. Contemporary terms like "prison guard", "corrections officer", or "jailer" are more commonly used.
  • It can occasionally be used metaphorically to describe someone who controls access or freedom in a restrictive situation.
    • The strict administrator was the turnkey of the school's outdated policies.
Variants and Related Words
  • Turnkey (adjective): This is a separate, more common modern meaning, describing something (e.g., a system or solution) that is supplied, installed, and ready for immediate use without further work by the purchaser.
    • The company offers a complete turnkey software package.
Synonyms
  • Jailer / Gaoler
  • Prison guard
  • Corrections officer
  • Warder (chiefly British English)
Related Phrases
  • Turn of the key: This phrase relates to the action but is not a direct phrasal verb of "turnkey."
    • With a turn of the key, the turnkey secured the corridor.
Related Idioms
  • To hold the keys: To be in a position of control or authority. While not containing the word "turnkey," this idiom relates to the concept of a jailer's power.
    • The judge holds the keys to his freedom.
turnkey

The turnkey unlocks the cell door with a large metal key.

Noun
  1. someone who guards prisoners

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "turnkey"