Passe Partout True Pas Pahr Too Noun Master Key Enables Unrestricted

passe-partout /pas-pahr-TOO/

noun

1. Something, for example a master key, that enables unrestricted access.

2. An ornamental mat used to frame a picture.

3. An adhesive tape used to attach a picture to a mat, glass, backing, etc. 

[From French, literally, passes everywhere, from passer (to pass) + partout (everywhere), from par (through) + tout (all).]

"Francesco Isolabella, one of her lawyers, said, 'Marion True is being used as an excuse to criminalize all American museums.' Ms. True should not be used 'as a passe-partout to get at the Getty'." - Elisabetta Povoledo; Casting Blame for Looting In Trial of Getty Ex-Curator; The New York Times; Jan 18, 2007.