at someone’s door: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘at someone's door’ mean?
The idiom "at someone's door" means to hold someone responsible or accountable for something. It implies that the person is faced with the consequences or burden of a certain situation or problem.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "leave at the door" means to put aside or forget about something, usually negative or burdensome, and not let it affect the current situation or environment.
The idiom "lay something at the feet of" means to hold someone responsible or blame someone for something. It implies the act of attributing a problem or fault to someone else.
The idiom "lay at someone's door" means to blame someone for a particular situation or problem. It suggests that the responsibility for the issue rests solely on that person.
The idiom "knock on heaven's door" means to be near or at death's door, to be in a critical or life-threatening condition.
The idiom "knock on heaven's door" is a commonly used phrase in English. It refers to someone who is nearing death, using the metaphor of approaching the door to heaven and entering the afterlife. Derived from Christian beliefs, heaven is seen as a celestial dwelling place for the souls of the righteous.
The idiom *in your face* means to confront someone with something aggressively or boldly, often to provoke a reaction. It implies direct and unapologetic behavior, disregarding social boundaries.
The idiom "in someone's face" means to confront or challenge someone in a direct and aggressive manner, often done to assert dominance or to express anger or frustration.
The idiom "hold someone's feet to the fire" means to put pressure on someone or hold them accountable for their actions or words.
The idiom "hold someone's feet to the fire" is a commonly used expression in American English, often used to convey the idea of holding someone accountable for their actions or promises. It is believed to have originated in the early 17th century but has evolved in meaning over time.
The idiom "have someone's blood on one's head" means to be responsible or guilty for causing harm or death to someone.
The idiom "have it coming" means to deserve or expect something, usually negative, as a consequence of one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "have blood on one's hands" is a vivid expression that signifies being responsible for someone's death or suffering. This longstanding idiom can be traced back to ancient times when having blood on one's hands was associated with guilt and moral responsibility.
Unexpected Origins
The idiom "at someone's door" has a simple and literal meaning. It means that something or someone is near or present at a specific person's residence or place of work. This idiom is often used to indicate proximity or responsibility for a certain situation or problem. It's important to note that it doesn't necessarily mean physical location, but rather a figurative or metaphorical association.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the literal act of standing or being in front of someone's entrance or doorway. This physical image has been metaphorically used to represent situations where a person or entity is responsible for something or has a direct connection to a particular matter. The idiom is rooted in the concept of accountability and implies that the person associated with it is the one to blame or is in the position to resolve the issue at hand.
This idiom finds its usage in various contexts, including politics, business, and personal relationships. In political discussions, it can be used to attribute blame or responsibility to a certain individual or party for specific policies or decisions. In the business world, it signifies a person or organization that is directly responsible for a problem or opportunity. In personal relationships, it indicates that a particular person is responsible for a certain outcome or consequence.
One example of the idiom "at someone's door" can be seen in a political scenario. If a government program fails to deliver the desired results, opponents may use the idiom to place the blame at the door of the politician who initiated or championed the program. This figurative attribution of responsibility highlights the connection between the individual politician and the failed program.
Similarly, in a business context, if a company faces a legal or financial challenge, the idiom can be used to indicate that the responsibility for addressing the issue lies with the company's leadership or management. By using the idiom, it suggests that they are the ones who must resolve the problem or face the consequences.
It's important to note that the idiom "at someone's door" is not limited to negative connotations. It can also be used in positive contexts, such as recognizing someone's efforts, contributions, or achievements. In such cases, it emphasizes the direct association between the person being recognized and the positive outcome or result.
The idiom "at someone's door" is a widely used expression in the English language. It conveys the idea of proximity, responsibility, and accountability. The metaphorical connection it creates between individuals or entities and specific situations or problems indicates their involvement in addressing or resolving them. The idiom highlights the direct association between the person or entity represented by the idiom and the matter at hand. While it is commonly used in various contexts, its specific usage and implications depend on the given situation. This idiom encapsulates both the tangible and intangible connections between individuals and their responsibilities, leaving room for interpretation and exploration in different circumstances.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *at someone's door* can be used in a sentence:
- After years of hard work, success finally knocked at his door.
- The financial crisis left many families with bankruptcy at their doors.
- With increasing pollution levels, health problems are right at our door.
More "Location" idioms
