Meaning
To move a door so that an entrance is no longer blocked.
Cultural Background
Holding the door for the person behind you is a standard sign of politeness. It doesn't matter if you know them or not. An 'Open Door Policy' means managers are available to talk to any employee at any time, promoting transparency. There is a specific way to open traditional sliding doors (fusuma) using both hands while kneeling, showing respect. An 'open door' is a symbol of extreme generosity. In some traditions, the front door is left unlocked during the day to welcome guests.
Politeness counts
In English-speaking countries, always look back when you open a door to see if someone is behind you. If they are, hold it!
Electronics
Never say 'open the light' or 'open the computer.' Use 'turn on' instead.
Meaning
To move a door so that an entrance is no longer blocked.
Politeness counts
In English-speaking countries, always look back when you open a door to see if someone is behind you. If they are, hold it!
Electronics
Never say 'open the light' or 'open the computer.' Use 'turn on' instead.
Job Interviews
Use the figurative 'open the door' to sound more professional and motivated during interviews.
Open Door Policy
If a boss says they have an 'open door policy,' it means you can talk to them without an appointment.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'open the door'.
It was very hot, so I ________ to let the breeze in.
The sentence is in the past tense ('It was'), so we use 'opened.'
Which sentence uses the phrase figuratively?
Choose the best option:
In this sentence, 'open the door' means creating an opportunity, not moving a physical door.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Someone is knocking at the entrance. B: ________
When someone knocks at the entrance, you open the door.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
You want to let just a little bit of air in.
'Crack the door open' means to open it a very small amount.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things You Can Open
Physical
- • Door
- • Window
- • Box
- • Book
Figurative
- • Opportunity
- • Career
- • Heart
- • Dialogue
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIt was very hot, so I ________ to let the breeze in.
The sentence is in the past tense ('It was'), so we use 'opened.'
Choose the best option:
In this sentence, 'open the door' means creating an opportunity, not moving a physical door.
A: Someone is knocking at the entrance. B: ________
When someone knocks at the entrance, you open the door.
You want to let just a little bit of air in.
'Crack the door open' means to open it a very small amount.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or your boss.
You should say 'open the car door' or 'unlock the car.' 'Open the car' sounds like you are opening the engine hood.
'Open' is the present action or an adjective (The door is open). 'Opened' is the past action (I opened it).
This is an informal way to say 'answer the door' when someone knocks or rings the bell.
No, you 'open a book,' but you don't 'open the door of a book.'
It is 'for me.' 'To me' is rarely used unless you are speaking very poetically.
It means to leave the door slightly open.
Yes, 'The restaurant opens its doors at 5 PM' means it starts serving customers then.
It is a literal collocation, but it is used idiomatically to mean 'creating opportunity.'
Say, 'Could you please open the door?' or 'Would you mind opening the door?'
It is a management style where employees are encouraged to talk to their bosses freely.
Yes, this is a common romantic or poetic metaphor in English.
Related Phrases
hold the door
similarTo keep a door open for someone else.
answer the door
specialized formTo go to the door when someone knocks.
get a foot in the door
builds onTo make a small first step toward a goal.
close the door on
contrastTo end a possibility or opportunity.
behind closed doors
similarIn secret or private.
