on the latch

on the latch

Of a door, closed but not locked. Primarily heard in UK. In the small village where I grew up, you knew everyone around you, so everyone left their doors on the latch.
See also: latch, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

on the ˈlatch

(British English) closed but not locked: Can you leave the door on the latch so I can get in?
See also: latch, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • stand a round
  • count
  • count heads
  • count noses
  • count noses, to
  • death is the great leveler
  • hand round
  • chacun à son goût
  • above suspicion
  • suspicion
References in periodicals archive
Available in multiple styles to satisfy a range of installation and actuation options, R4 rotary latches are hand actuated, either by direct action on the latch trigger or by remote actuation through rods or cables attached to the latch trigger.
All-metal rotary latch
To correctly close the door, pull up on the latch handle as you close the door firmly.
Keeping rear door shut
Don't jerk on the latches. If you force them, they snap and you're out of business.
Hit hard with linebacker PM