show someone the door
show (one) the door
1. To accompany one to the exit from a room or building. Thank you so much for coming in for the interview. John, would you please show Mr. Porter the door?
2. To escort or forcibly remove one from a building, typically due to some violation of the rules. The bouncers had to show the man the door after started getting too aggressive with other people in the club. Sir, if you don't calm down, I'm afraid I'll have to show you the door.
3. To order one to leave some place. I hadn't even finished my proposal before the bosses showed me the door.
4. By extension, to fire one from a job. I'll let you off with a warning this once, but if you ever show up to work smelling of alcohol again, I'll show you the door so fast it will make your head spin.
See also: door, show
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
show someone the door
Order someone to leave, as in I never should have listened to him; I should have shown him the door at once. This expression, first recorded in 1778, is not the same as show someone to the door (see under show someone out).
See also: door, show, someone
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
show someone the door
dismiss or eject someone unceremoniously from a place or from your presence. 1991 Michael Curtin The Plastic Tomato Cutter Mr Yendall , would you credit I had applicants who scorned the wages? I showed them the door.
See also: door, show, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- show (one) the door
- show (one) to the door
- show somebody the door
- show the door
- see (one) to the door
- show (one) out of (some place)
- show (one) out
- show someone out
- show out
- see out