closed door

a closed door

A problem, impediment, or hurdle. The bureaucracy of this process is so frustrating. It's like there's a closed door everywhere I turn!
See also: closed, door
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

closed door

1. An obstacle or restriction, as in There are no closed doors in the new field of gene therapy. [First half of 1900s]
2. close one's doors. See close down. Also see behind closed doors; close the door.
See also: closed, door
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • a closed door
  • closed
  • closed-casket funeral
  • behind closed doors
  • close the door to (one)
  • door
  • closed-door
  • come out at
  • come out at an amount
  • shut/close the door on something
References in classic literature
He approached the turn and looked around it; the corridor was empty to the closed door. Whoever had closed it had remained upon the outside.
At first Dorothy thought there was no opening at all in the marble, but on looking closely she discovered a small square door about on a level with her head, and underneath this closed door was a bell-push.
Sir Alfred glanced toward the closed door. Without a doubt they were alone.
Then, moved by some instinct of curiosity, he made his way round to the closed door of the boat-house, only to find it, as he had expected, locked.
The sight of the empty room and the closed door were satisfactory enough, and he did not hesitate for a moment.
In the wall opposite the window and near the alcove was a closed door, apparently the only exit from the room.
The marriage-day was shining brightly, and they were ready outside the closed door of the Doctor's room, where he was speaking with Charles Darnay.
A burst of laughter resounded from the other side of the ill- closed door, and the door reopened.
Already the cold sweat started on my brow, already I glanced back over my shoulder at the closed door, when, to my unspeakable relief, my eye, wandering mildly in the direction of the stove, rested upon a second figure, seated in a large fauteuil beside it.
It was exactly the silence ensuing on the retreat of the servant and the closed door that marked between him and his hostess the degree of this ease.
Neither spoke, yet both knew before they opened the closed door what they would find beyond.
When, however, the Columbiad was entirely finished, this state of closed doors could no longer be maintained; besides it would have been bad taste, and even imprudence, to affront the public feeling.
Nor was it at all unpleasant to hear his merry, boyish laughter ringing round hall and gallery, ere it died away against a dozen closed doors.
'Which is his rahm?' pursued the fellow, surveying the range of closed doors.
All these closed doors may hide no end of interesting people, and I have never seen a soul go in or out.