welcoming mat

welcoming mat

1. Literally, a small mat laid out in front of the door to one's house on which to wipe the dirt from one's shoes, typically with "Welcome" or some other greeting printed on it. After living in an apartment for so long, the first thing I wanted to buy when I moved into a proper house was a welcoming mat. You don't need to take your shoes off, just give them a good wipe on the welcoming mat.
2. A friendly, welcoming attitude or gesture. Sometimes used ironically or sarcastically. The town is rolling out the welcoming mat to competitors from all over the world for its annual triathlon this weekend. You're putting out the welcoming mat for cyber criminals if you post your personal details online.
See also: mat, welcome
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • at (one's) door
  • at door
  • at one's door
  • at doorstep
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • (from) top to toe
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
  • at (one's) expense
  • at expense
References in periodicals archive
MANILA -- Roll out the welcoming mat, kick away the sneakers and just go at it.
Semerad, Alonzo in tussle during GlobalPort-Kia game
THROW OUT WELCOMING MAT Too many years; more than I care to say Amazing how time seems to run away I've packed in so much; now where should I start Busy assessing; why did we depart Disappearing act I'm rather confused Of known in advance I would have refused Terms were always good; I'm sure about that On your return; throw out welcoming mat Few grey hairs; little slow on the uptake I mean to say the time apart; mistake Catch up, going to take a week or so Keep in touch; going to be a tomorrow Make up for lost time; continue repeat Overwhelmed; I can't wait until we meet In my heart holds a special place for you Since we last met; my!
Reader's Poem
More and more golf clubs, once notorious for maintaining a good-old-boy's atmosphere, are suddenly putting out the welcoming mat for our ladies of the field.
Always there but seldom seen: black women have been swinging the clubs just as long as men. It's time to recognize. (Challenge)
With the Smart-Gilas Pilipinas arriving in South Beach, its hometown basketball team laid out the welcoming mat in social media to express its hospitality toward coach Chot Reyes and the Philippine national basketball team.
Miami Heat welcome Gilas Pilipinas