open the door

Unlock and swing

To open the door is literally to move a door from closed to open position, allowing passage.

Figuratively, it means to create opportunity or possibility: Her research opened the door to new treatments.

To open the door to something can also mean to invite problems: Weak passwords open the door to hackers.

Related
  • keyLock-opening device
  • admitConfess or grant entry
  • swingSuspended recreational seat
  • handlePart for gripping
  • unlockOpen a secured closure

push · welcome mat · come on in · threshold · pull · entrance · ajar · slam shut · turn · enter · let in · pave the way · access · creak · grip · latch · knock · hinges

Opposites
physical door position

open the doorclose the door

Seal the entryway

shut the door · slam the door · burn bridges · turn away

Family

open, door, opening, outdoor, doorway, opened, outdoors, doors, opens

Familiarity
Top 5,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G