Crossword Genius

Father's blade which can open doors (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

password

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'can open doors' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'father's blade' is the wordplay.
'father's' becomes 'pa's' (pa can mean dad or father).
'blade' becomes 'sword ' (synonyms).
'pas'+'sword'='PASSWORD'

'which' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for password that I've seen before include "Characters that gain one access?" , "Secret requirement for access" , "one admits" , "Eg, open sesame" , "parole" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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