Show somebody the door

usgb
phrase

To ask or force someone to leave.

When he started to get rude, I showed him the door.
Visual representation of "show somebody the door" - To ask or force someone to leave

Often appears as...

  • show him the door
  • show her the door

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "show somebody the door"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Politeness Varies

The phrase can be polite or blunt depending on your tone and situation.

Illustration for Politeness Varies
The host, with a gentle voice, showed the unruly guest the door.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Weight

Saying this can carry a sense of frustration or disapproval toward the person being asked to leave.

Illustration for Emotional Weight
After the argument, he was shown the door.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

The phrase doesn't always mean literally walking someone to a door; it's more about the action of making someone leave.

Illustration for Not Literal
She made a scene, so I showed her the door.
Visual representation of the word "Show somebody the door"

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