key to key

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrasetechnical

   Relating to a process in which each individual item in one set is matched directly with one item in another set.

   Grammar: Used mainly before a noun, as in a key-to-key mapping, or after a verb, as in match the records key to key.

   Patterns

   • a key-to-key copy
   • a key-to-key mapping
   • match something key to key

   The backup tool makes a key-to-key copy of every record in the database.

   We need a key-to-key mapping between the old account numbers and the new ones.

   Instead of matching whole files, the program compares the data key to key.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasemusictechnical

   In music, moving from one key to another key, especially in a quick or direct way.

   Grammar: Usually appears after a verb such as move or modulate, or before a noun such as transition.

   Patterns

   • move key to key
   • a key-to-key transition

   The bridge moves key to key without any preparation, which surprises the listener.

   Her solo shifts key to key several times in the final section.

Common combinations

key-to-key copy

The software performs a key-to-key copy of the table.

key-to-key mapping

A key-to-key mapping links each student ID to one email address.

match key to key

The system matches each invoice key to key with a payment.

key-to-key comparison

A key-to-key comparison showed which fields had changed.

Synonyms and how they differ

one-to-one

More general and common; it can describe people or things, while key-to-key is mainly used for data records or musical keys.

Commonly confused: key to key or key-to-keypad?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “key to key”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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