Open sesame
Open sesame means a word, quality, or connection that gives easy access to something otherwise difficult to reach; it comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in The Arabian Nights, where a spoken command opens a hidden cave.
Where it comes from
The secret command
In the story of Ali Baba, a special command opens the entrance to the thieves' treasure cave. Knowing the words lets an outsider cross a guarded boundary.
In The Arabian Nights, Ali Baba hides near the thieves and hears their leader give the command. After they leave, he uses it himself and enters the cave.
In The Arabian Nights by Anonymous
A key to access
Today, the phrase describes something that unlocks an opportunity, such as an introduction, a qualification, or a trusted name. It often suggests that one small thing removes a large obstacle.
In The Arabian Nights, Ali Baba's brother Cassim enters the cave but forgets the command needed to open the entrance again. His wealth cannot help him escape without the right words.
In The Arabian Nights by Anonymous
How to use Open sesame
- Name the opportunity or barrier involved.
- Use the phrase for the thing that makes access easy.
- Keep it for informal or lightly playful writing.
Does open sesame have to mean a password?
No, it can mean anything that gives ready access to a place, opportunity, or group. A trusted introduction might be an open sesame to an interview, while a respected qualification might open doors in a profession.
Is open sesame from Aladdin?
No, it comes from the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, not Aladdin. Both stories are associated with The Arabian Nights, but Ali Baba's story concerns a treasure cave, while Aladdin's concerns a magical lamp.
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