Show the door

Meaning

The idiom "show the door" means to dismiss or expel someone from a place or position of authority or responsibility. It can also mean to close down or shut down a business or organization.

Usage

• The manager decided to show the door to the employee who had been consistently underperforming.
• The new CEO made it clear that he wasn't afraid to show the door to anyone who couldn't keep up with the company's expectations.
• After years of unsuccessful attempts, the government finally showed the door to the failing bank.
• The organization decided to shut down its operations and showed the door to all of its employees.
• The company faced financial difficulties and had no choice but to show the door to several key employees. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context, as it can be used in a variety of situations where someone is being dismissed or expelled from a place or position of authority.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "show the door" dates back to medieval times when the nobility would often dismiss their servants by having them open the door and exit the premises. Over time, the idiom evolved to mean dismissing someone from a higher position of authority or responsibility.

Synonyms in English

• Dismiss
• Terminate
• Expel
• Remove
• Sack

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "dejar" (to leave)
• French - "déposer" (to dismiss)
• German - "entlassen" (to release)
• Italian - "lasciare" (to leave)
• Japanese - "解雇" (to terminate employment)

Similar Idioms

• on board

• castles in the air

• at bay