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open the door

idiom

Definition of open the door

: to make (something) easier or more likely to happen —often + for or to
  • Her success opened the door for thousands of young women who wanted to play sports.
  • His experiences in the army opened the door to a career in politics.

Word by Word Definitions

open play

  1. : having no enclosing or confining barrier : accessible on all or nearly all sides

  2. : being in a position or adjustment to permit passage : not shut or locked

  3. : having a barrier (such as a door) so adjusted as to allow passage

  1. : to move (something, such as a door) from a closed position

  2. : to make available for entry or passage by turning back (something, such as a barrier) or removing (something, such as a cover or an obstruction)

  3. : to make available for or active in a regular function

  1. : opening

  2. : open and unobstructed space: such as

  3. : open air

See the full definition of open
door play

  1. : a usually swinging or sliding barrier by which an entry is closed and opened

  2. : doorway

  3. : a means of access or participation : opportunity

See the full definition of door

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