don’t let the door hit you on the way out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘don't let the door hit you on the way out’ mean?
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out" means to leave quickly and without causing any inconvenience or problems for others. It is often said in a dismissive or sarcastic manner when someone is not wanted or is being asked to leave a place or situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "show someone the door" means to ask or tell someone to leave or to dismiss them from a place or situation.
The idiom "exit stage left" originates from theater, where actors traditionally exit the stage on the left side. It is now used figuratively to describe someone making a hasty or discreet departure.
The idiom "duck out" means to leave a place or situation quickly or secretly, often to avoid something or someone. It implies a sudden or sneaky departure.
The idiom "drop out" means to leave a group or quit a situation, often referring to withdrawing from school or abandoning a course of action.
When used as an idiom, "drive off" means to leave quickly or abruptly in a vehicle. It is often used to describe someone leaving a place in a hurry.
The idiom "drive away" means to force someone or something to leave a place or to cause something to disappear or lessen in value or importance.
The idiom "do the dash" means to make a quick and hasty exit from a place or situation, often to avoid trouble or for some urgent reason.
"Don't sweat it" means to not worry or stress about something. It is an informal expression used to reassure someone that a situation is not a big deal and does not require excessive concern or effort.
The idiom "don't knock yourself out" means to not exert too much effort or strain oneself excessively in accomplishing a task or achieving a goal.
The idiom "don't hold your breath" means to not expect something to happen or to not have high hopes for a particular outcome.
Exit Etiquette Caution
The idiom *don't let the door hit you on the way out* is commonly used in American English. It's a phrase that is often said when someone wants another person to leave quickly and without causing any trouble. This can be seen as a form of dismissal or rejection, where the speaker is effectively telling the person to leave and not to let the door hit them on the way out.
The origins of this idiom are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early to mid-20th century, possibly in the United States. It is a phrase that is often used in a colloquial, informal context, such as in social situations or casual conversations.
The figurative meaning of this idiom is that the person being dismissed is not worth the trouble or hassle of even letting the door hit them on the way out. It implies that the person's departure is insignificant and unimportant.
Now, let's take a look at some related idioms that convey a similar message of dismissal or rejection.
One related idiom is *show someone the door*. This phrase is used when someone wants another person to leave a place or situation. It can be seen as a more forceful way of telling someone to leave, emphasizing that they are not welcome.
Another related idiom is *do the dash*. This phrase is used when someone wants another person to leave quickly. It can be used to express impatience or annoyance with someone's presence.
Similarly, the idiom *beat it* is used to tell someone to leave immediately. It can be seen as a more aggressive or forceful way of dismissing someone.
Lastly, the idiom *buzz off* is a more informal and slightly rude way of telling someone to go away. It is often used in a casual or playful manner, but still conveys a sense of dismissal or rejection.
The idiom *don't let the door hit you on the way out* is a commonly used phrase in American English that conveys dismissal or rejection. It is often used in informal contexts to express annoyance or frustration with someone. Its origins are unclear, but its meaning is clear and straightforward. This idiom, along with related idioms such as *show someone the door*, *do the dash*, *beat it*, and *buzz off*, all serve to convey the message that someone is not welcome and should leave quickly.
Example usage
Examples:
- After learning about his unethical behavior, the company fired John and said, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out!"
- When the rude customer caused a scene in the restaurant, the manager told him to leave and added, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out!"
- After Joe broke up with his girlfriend, she angrily slammed the door and yelled, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out!"
Analysis:
The idiom "don't let the door hit you on the way out" is generally used sarcastically or rudely to imply that someone is not welcomed or wanted anymore. It is a dismissive expression commonly used when someone is being asked to leave, often due to their inappropriate or unwanted behavior. The phrase suggests that the person being addressed should depart quickly and without causing any further trouble.
This idiom metaphorically expresses the desire for the person to leave in such a hurry that they might get hit by the closing door on their way out. It adds a humorous and somewhat confrontational element to the request for someone to leave.
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