doorstep

at (one's) doorstep

1. Literally, outside one's door. I'm at your doorstep right now—where are you?
2. By extension, one's responsibility. That issue is at the police commissioner's doorstep now. I always hire reputable contractors for my company because I don't want complaints of shoddy construction at my doorstep.
3. Very close to one's location, especially of an unwanted thing that is encroaching. We used to think of it as a skirmish on the frontier, but the war is now at our doorstep. This whole area used to be rural, but with rampant development, the suburbs are at our doorstep.
See also: doorstep

at death's doorstep

Extremely ill or very close to death or total destruction. A case of untreated rabies left me suddenly at death's doorstep. There are many parts of the environment that are now on death's doorstep due to the effects of pollution.
See also: doorstep

never darken (one's) doorstep again

To never return to one's home. Used when referring to an unwelcome visitor. Don't worry, I've made sure that he'll never darken our doorstep again.
See also: again, darken, doorstep, never

not darken the doorstep of (some place)

To not go or never return to some place. I heard the Justice Department is dropping the case, so it looks like he won't darken the doorstep of the courthouse anytime soon. I haven't darkened the doorstep of a church since I was 10 years old.
See also: darken, doorstep, not, of

on (one's) doorstep

1. Literally, outside one's door. I'm on your doorstep right now—where are you?
2. By extension, one's responsibility. That issue is on the police commissioner's doorstep now. I always hire reputable contractors for my company because I don't want complaints of shoddy construction on my doorstep.
3. Very close to one's location, especially of an unwanted thing that is encroaching. We used to think of it as a skirmish on the frontier, but the war is now on our doorstep. This whole area used to be rural, but with rampant development, the suburbs are on our doorstep.
See also: doorstep, on

on the doorstep

Very close to one's location or home. We used to think of it as a skirmish on the frontier, but the war is now on the doorstep. This is a wonderful place to live, with these gorgeous mountains right on the doorstep.
See also: doorstep, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at someone's doorstep

 and on someone's doorstep
Fig. in someone's care; as someone's responsibility. Why do you always have to lay your problems at my doorstep? I shall put this issue on someone else's doorstep. I don't want that problem on my doorstep.
See also: doorstep
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

at one's door

Also, on one's doorstep. Very nearby, as in The bus stop was practically on our doorstep, or The Mexican currency crisis is literally at our door. [Early 1900s] Also see lay at someone's door.
See also: door

doorstep

see under at one's door (on one's doorstep).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

never darken someone's door

or

never darken someone's doorstep

OLD-FASHIONED
If someone tells you never to darken their door again or never to darken their doorstep again, they are ordering you never to visit them again. The law firm told them to destroy all dossiers and never darken their doorstep again.
See also: darken, door, never

not darken somewhere's door

or

not darken somewhere's doorstep

OLD-FASHIONED
If someone never goes to a place, you can say that they do not darken its door or do not darken its doorstep. He had not darkened the door of a church for a long time. Plenty more cases never darken the doorstep of a courthouse. Note: The image here is of someone's dark shadow falling across the door.
See also: darken, door, not
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

never darken someone's door (or doorstep)

keep away from someone's home permanently.
1988 Salman Rushdie The Satanic Verses They couldn't lock her away in any old folks' home, sent her whole family packing when they dared to suggest it, never darken her doorstep, she told them, cut the whole lot off without a penny or a by your leave.
See also: darken, door, never

on your (or the) doorstep

very near; close at hand.
1998 New Scientist The solution to Underhill's problem was on his doorstep.
See also: doorstep, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

on the/your ˈdoorstep

very near your/somebody’s home: It’s easy to be concerned with problems across the other side of the world and not see the poverty and unhappiness on your own doorstep.
See also: doorstep, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • at (one's) door
  • at door
  • at one's door
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • at (one's) expense
  • at expense
  • be remembered as/for something
References in periodicals archive
"Whilst many legitimate companies use doorstep selling, sadly fraudsters also use this technique.
He explained: "Doorstep crime is an incredibly invasive and impactful crime which can have a devastating effect on victims and their subsequent confidence within their homes.
A doorstep car service specialist, Pitstop has operations in Bangalore, Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Singapore.
Turkey-based VakifBank has promoted doorstep banking with its association with VeriPark.
Ms Bampton said she moved out of the property, which is managed by Doorstep, due to threats from a former partner.
Kawasaki, a Japan-based automaker, is planning to deliver doorstep motorcycle servicing in the National Capital, and services for other cities that do not have an authorised Kawasaki dealership.
Its modelling found consumers end up paying back more than twice what they borrowed on up to 490,000 doorstep loans - also known as home credit loans - each year due to refinancing.
Doorstep sales currently account for around three per cent of the total 5.5billion litres of milk sold per year - compared to 94 per cent in 1974 when a million pints were delivered every day.
With this rebrand, Valet Living will be expanding well-beyond doorstep collection to deliver on its vision as a nationally recognized full-service amenities provider, enhancing life for both residents and property managers.
It is supported by North Wales Police as part of a bid to crack down on pushy doorstep sellers and also potential bogus callers.
METHODS of doorstep crime committed in West Yorkshire by tricksters were exposed at a meeting of Lepton Friendship Group.
A DOORSTEP fraudster is behind bars after he conned three pensioners out of almost PS19,000.
DOORSTEP scams are on the rise and people are encouraged to look out for the signs to avoid falling victim.
RESIDENTS and businesses across Warwickshire are being warned against buying from 'doorstep callers' following a spate of rogue traders.