welcome mat

American  

noun

1. a doormat, especially one with the word “welcome” printed on it.

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idioms

1. put out the welcome mat, to extend a hearty welcome.

   The club put out the welcome mat for new members.

welcome mat More Idioms  

1. A friendly welcome, as in They put out the welcome mat for all new members. This expression alludes to a doormat with the word “Welcome” printed on it. [Mid-1900]

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Example Sentences

The welcome mat is out for high school coaches.

From Los Angeles Times

Uganda is among a raft of poorer countries pulling back the welcome mat, which officials here blame on deep cuts to American aid.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was at the end of the narrow, low-ceilinged hallway and had a rag-rug welcome mat woven from the same fabrics as Mrs. Clarke’s trademark floral print dresses.

From Literature

“A burger puts out the welcome mat,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

“While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign,” Julia Simpson, the council’s president, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times