hole in the wall

hole in the wall

A small, inconspicuous place, often an establishment such a restaurant. The term sometimes but not always has a negative connotation implying a place that is perceived to be disreputable in some way. I wasn't impressed when Gary suggested a hole in the wall for our first date, but we ended up having a good time.
See also: hole, wall
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hole in the wall

Fig. a tiny shop, room, etc., not much wider than its doorway. I went into this little hole in the wall where they had the nicest little gifts. His office is just a hole in the wall.
See also: hole, wall
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

hole in the wall

A small, modest, or obscure place, as in My new apartment is just a hole in the wall, or Believe it or not, that little hole in the wall is a great restaurant. This graphic term is often used disparagingly. [First half of 1800s]
See also: hole, wall
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

hole in the wall

1 a small dingy place, especially a business or, in the USA, a place where alcoholic drinks are sold illegally. 2 an automatic cash dispenser installed in the outside wall of a bank.
See also: hole, wall
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

hole in the wall

n. a tiny shop, not much wider than its doorway. I went into this little hole in the wall where they had the nicest little gifts.
See also: hole, wall
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • defect to
  • defect to (something)
  • ditch (some place)
  • Mecca for
  • barrel in
  • barrel in(to)
  • come on into (some place)
  • come right in
  • know place
  • know your place
References in periodicals archive
By stretching the chain to its limit, I was just about able to peek through the nearest corner of the hole in the wall, and make out the silhouette of the short, thick-set character - the farmer - carrying a torch and moving toward the hole.
A half hour later, again footsteps on the staircase next door and the light of a torch flickered through the hole in the wall. A packet of cigarettes was placed on the ledge, and I heard the voice of Serge say in English, "Peter, you want?" I replied, speaking slowly, "Serge, I want...
Morning Serial; Hole: Kidnapped in Georgia
The success of the first "Hole in the Wall" inspired Mitra to replicate the experience with kiosks across the economic, cultural and geographic diversity of India.
Most of all, "The Hole in the Wall," offers a glimmer of hope for concerned global citizens who do not know when to begin in increasing educational opportunity in the developing world.
Let them eat tech standards: a hole in the wall as science and public policy
She went to investigate and found a man kicking a hole in the wall next to the door.
Sobering Experience. (Exercising the right)
The thieves escaped with more than pounds 4,000-worth of equipment after tearing a hole in the wall at the rear of the premises.
Hammer blow to crime-hit traders; CCTV CALL AS SHOP RAIDERS SMASH THEIR WAY THROUGH WALLS AND ROOFS
They carried out break-ins at Cambridge University's Fitzwilliam Museum and Durham University's Oriental Museum, where they got in through a hole in the wall - and then lost some of the stolen goods at an industrial estate.
Culture vultures; Gang convicted of stealing [euro]73m of treasures in raids on museums