close the door

phrase

: to be uncompromisingly obstructive
closed the door to further negotiation

Examples of close the door in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Capitals maintained the lead throughout the third period, closing the door on the Rangers, particularly in the final two minutes after New York pulled its goalie. — Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026 The woman in the pink wig closed the door to the dressing room and shot the whiskey, too, then passed it to the woman beside her and so on. — Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026 Still, while Murphy may not want to repeat the all-star format, the actors themselves aren’t necessarily closing the door on another reunion. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 Even as the Chiefs went three-and-out on their next drive, Cousins’ critical interception on the Raiders’ final drive closed the door on a miracle story. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for close the door

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of close the door was in 1807

Rhymes for close the door

See All Rhymes for close the door

Browse Nearby Words

closeted
close the door
close the door on
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Close the door.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/close%20the%20door. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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