open door
Americannoun
-
the policy of admitting people of all nationalities or ethnic groups to a country upon equal terms, as for immigration.
-
the policy or practice of trading with all nations on an equal basis.
-
admission or access; unrestricted opportunity.
His experience had given him an open door to success in his field.
noun
-
a policy or practice by which a nation grants opportunities for trade to all other nations equally
-
free and unrestricted admission
adjective
-
open to all; accessible
-
(in industrial relations) designating a policy of management being prepared to talk to workers in the office at any time
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of open door
First recorded in 1520–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"The talks in Pakistan did not deliver a deal, but they did something just as important. They kept the door open. And in markets, an open door is often enough," he added.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
“We’re asking for accessibility, not an open door to cause harm.”
From Salon • Mar. 1, 2026
He said it has been an "open door" for help and reassurance.
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026
The revolution turns out to be pushing on an open door.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025
I haven’t seen Walter yet, and I pace back and forth in front of the open door, scanning the lot.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
