Is it used to deal with a deadlock? (8,3)
I believe the answer is:
skeleton key
'deadlock?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for skeleton key that I've seen before include "That which can open numerous doors" , "help needed identifying bones perhaps" , "Versatile opener" , "Master admitting" , "Opener of many locks" .)