keyhole
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
a hole in a lock into which the key is inserted.
A small, often roughly key-shaped opening or aperture, frequently used for peering through, or metaphorically to denote limited or secretive access to information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a physical object noun, but also used in compound nouns (e.g., keyhole surgery). The metaphorical use implies a narrow, restricted view or access.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal lexical differences. Both varieties use the same core term. Slight potential for frequency variation in metaphorical use.
Connotations
Neutral. Associated with privacy (peeping through a keyhole), security (the lock mechanism), and precision (keyhole surgery).
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties for the literal sense. Slightly more frequent in UK English in the medical compound 'keyhole surgery' (US: often 'laparoscopic surgery').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
look through the keyholeinsert the key into the keyholeperform keyhole surgeryVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keyhole view (a limited perspective)”
- “keyhole journalism (intrusive reporting)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'We only have a keyhole view of their new strategy.'
Academic
In historical/design contexts: 'The keyhole shape is prevalent in Art Deco architecture.' In medicine: 'Keyhole surgery reduces patient recovery time.'
Everyday
Literal: 'I dropped the key and it fell right through the keyhole.' Metaphorical: 'The curtain was closed, but I got a keyhole look at the room.'
Technical
In locksmithing: 'The keyhole must be clear of debris.' In medicine: 'Keyhole surgery is minimally invasive.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The detective had a keyhole perspective on the crime.
American English
- The report offered only keyhole insights into the proceedings.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I put the key in the keyhole and turned it.
- The cat watched the mouse through the keyhole.
- He peeked through the keyhole to see who was in the corridor.
- The old door had a large, brass keyhole.
- Keyhole surgery has revolutionised recovery times for many procedures.
- The documentary provided merely a keyhole view of the complex political situation.
- The journalist was accused of practising keyhole journalism, focusing on salacious private details rather than substantive issues.
- The keyhole design of the window was a characteristic feature of the era's architecture.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOLE for a KEY. A key + hole = keyhole. Simple!
Conceptual Metaphor
LIMITED ACCESS IS A KEYHOLE (e.g., a keyhole view of the market).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation where 'keyhole' might be confused with 'замочная скважина' – it's the same concept, but the English word is a single compound noun, not a phrase.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as two words: 'key hole' (incorrect, should be 'keyhole' or hyphenated 'key-hole', though solid form is standard).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to keyhole' is non-standard).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'a keyhole view' metaphorically express?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a single, closed compound word: 'keyhole'. The hyphenated form 'key-hole' is now archaic.
No, 'keyhole' is not a standard verb. You cannot 'keyhole' something. Use phrases like 'look through a keyhole' or 'peer through a keyhole'.
Keyhole surgery (medical term: laparoscopy) is a minimally invasive surgical technique where operations are performed through small incisions, using specialised instruments and a camera.
In everyday language, they are often used interchangeably. Technically, the 'keyhole' is the visible opening, while the 'keyway' is the precise, shaped channel inside the lock that the key fits into.