The correct spelling of the phrase "turns key" is /tɜːnz ki/. The first sound is the "er" sound, followed by the "n" sound. The "t" sound is pronounced with the tongue touching the back of the teeth, while the "s" sound is made with a hissing noise produced by the air passing through the front of the teeth. The "ki" sound consists of a hard "k" followed by a long "e" sound. When said together, the phrase refers to the action of turning a key in a lock.
Turns key is a phrase that is primarily used to describe the action of rotating or twisting a key within a lock mechanism, typically in order to engage or disengage a lock. The term combines the verb "turns" with the noun "key" to depict the specific act of using a key to operate a lock.
In essence, turns key refers to the physical motion employed to unlock or lock doors, safes, or other objects secured with traditional lock systems. This action usually involves inserting the key into the keyhole and subsequently rotating it within the lock mechanism, typically in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, depending on the design of the lock.
The significance of turns key lies in its ability to grant access or control over the locked object, ensuring security and authorization. By successfully turning the key, an individual can secure their possessions, restrict entry to a particular area, or safeguard confidential information. Conversely, turning the key in the opposite direction can remove the lock's engagement, allowing unrestricted access or permitting the opening of the secured object.
Overall, the turns key phrase encapsulates the essential process of manipulating a key within a lock, signifying the connection between the key and the lock's functionality, rendering it a fundamental part of physical security systems.
The phrase "turns key" does not have an etymology of its own as it is a combination of two separate words, "turns" and "key". Each word has its own etymology:
1. "Turns": "turns" comes from the Old English word "tyrnan" which means "to rotate, revolve, or spin". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "turnijaną", which has the same meaning. This root word further originated from the Proto-Indo-European base "*der-" meaning "to turn or twist".
2. "Key": "key" comes from the Old English word "cǣg", which has its origins in the Proto-Germanic word "*kaigaz". This word is further derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*kois" meaning "peg, pin, or wedge".