open door

American  

noun

1. the policy of admitting people of all nationalities or ethnic groups to a country upon equal terms, as for immigration.

2. the policy or practice of trading with all nations on an equal basis.

3. admission or access; unrestricted opportunity.

   His experience had given him an open door to success in his field.

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open door British  

noun

1. a policy or practice by which a nation grants opportunities for trade to all other nations equally

2. free and unrestricted admission

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adjective

1. open to all; accessible

2. (in industrial relations) designating a policy of management being prepared to talk to workers in the office at any time

Other Word Forms

• open-door
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of open door

First recorded in 1520–30

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

open door

However, and as a direct consequence, the Turbo feels instantly familiar—the initial lightness of the open door, and balanced swing on its hinges, the thumping affirmation of triple-seal door closures.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 5, 2026

Prof Nellis said that while Scotland has been slow to embrace GPS technology, the campaign could now find itself "pushing at an open door" because ministers are actively exploring ways of reducing the prison population.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

And wow did they waltz right through that open door.

From Slate ● May 23, 2026

“We went from having a completely open door to closing it shut with 10 bolts.”

From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2026

When I emerge from the gravel road, Coach Wiley is pacing outside the bus’s open door with a clipboard.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

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