English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

On doorstep

Meaning

"On doorstep" means someone is very close to you, ready to help or support you. It can also mean that something is just about to happen or that you are about to reach your destination.

Usage

  • My friend always had my back, even when I was on her doorstep with a crisis.
  • The company's success is on the doorstep, but they need to work hard to make it happen.
  • The new employee is on the doorstep of becoming an important member of the team.
  • We were on our way to the beach when we saw a beautiful sunset on the horizon.
  • The car was just about to stop, and I was on the doorstep to my house. The usage of "on doorstep" can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it can mean someone is very close to you in a physical sense, while in others, it can mean something is very close to happening or that you are about to reach your destination.

Roots and History

The idiom "on doorstep" dates back to the 16th century and was first used in the early editions of the English dictionary. It comes from the Old French phrase "au seuil de la porte," which means "at the threshold of the door." In ancient times, people would stand outside the doorway of a house or building to wait for someone to come out or to enter. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has remained fairly consistent, but it has become more figurative in contemporary language. It is now used to describe someone who is very close to you or something that is about to happen.

Synonyms in English

  • at hand
  • on standby
  • on call
  • ready to help
  • up for the task

Synonyms in other languages

  • en attente (French) - means "waiting" or "ready"
  • in wart (German) - means "on call" or "ready"
  • chuvash na kuste (Russian) - means "chubby on the beach" (used figuratively to describe someone who is always ready for action)
  • jaki v času? (Moldovanian) - means "what do you want now?" (used figuratively to describe someone who is always ready to help)
  • en todo momento (Spanish) - means "at any moment" or "always ready"

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