In the most simplistic terms, asymmetric cryptography can be likened to that of a safety deposit box at a local bank. In this example, there are normally two set of keys used. One key is the one which the bank gives to you. This can be referred to as the public key, because it is used over and over again. The second key is the private key which the bank keeps in their possession at all times, and only the bank personnel know where it is kept.
