Next door

Meaning

The idiom "next door" refers to a place that is very close by, within walking distance or just beyond it. It can also refer to someone who lives or works nearby or is easily accessible.

Usage

• The grocery store next door is always crowded on weekends.
• My sister lives next door to me in the same apartment complex.
• The park next door has a beautiful view of the city skyline.
• My friend's office is just next door, so we often grab lunch together.
• I need to run an errand to the pharmacy next door before it closes. The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. For example, "next door" can be used to refer to a physical location or a metaphorical one. It can also be used in a positive or negative context. For instance, "I hate my neighbor who lives next door" and "My best friend and I have a bond that feels like we're next door to each other."

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the idiom "next door" can be traced back to 1584 in Middle English, where it was used as "next dore." Over time, the meaning evolved to its current figurative sense. The idiom has remained relatively consistent throughout history and is widely understood in contemporary language.

Synonyms in English

• Nearby
• Adjacent
• Close by
• Proximity
• In close quarters

Synonyms in other languages

• 近い (Japanese) - meaning "close" or "near"
• ביךמון (Hebrew) - meaning "next to" or "adjacent"
• המסרע (Hebrew) - meaning "far" or "distant"
• أخير المنتج (Arabic) - meaning "lattermost" or "last product"
• بلادة الحي (Arabic) - meaning "the city district"

Similar Idioms

• new kid on the block

• make common cause

• takes two to tango