show sb the door

/ʃˈəʊ ˌɛsbˈiː ðə dˈɔː/

/ʃˈoʊ ˌɛsbˈiː ðə dˈoːɹ/

[phrase]

to show sb the door

[PHRASE]

to angrily ask someone to leave a place

to dismiss or fire someone from their job or position

What is the origin of the idiom "show someone the door" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "show someone the door" is unclear, but it has been in use in English since at least the mid-19th century. It is thought to refer to the act of physically showing someone the way out of a building or room when they are being dismissed. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation where someone is fired or dismissed from their job.

to accompany a guest, visitor, etc. to the exit of a room or building

Examples

1. He's been caught stealing from the company, and they're going to show him the door.

2. She's been warned about her poor attendance, and if she doesn't improve, they'll show her the door.

3. John, would you please show Mr. Porter the door?

4. I hadn't even finished my proposal before the bosses showed me the door.