shut/close the door on something

close the door on (something)

1. Literally, to shut a door on something else, usually accidentally. Whoa, hang on, my dress is caught on something. I think I closed the door on it. I accidentally closed the door on my finger. I think it might be broken!2. To hinder something; to make something impossible. If they find out that you lied on your résumé, it will definitely close the door on this job opportunity for you. The new president has already indicated that she will be closing the door on any further efforts to unite the two countries.3. To conclude something. While graduation closes the door on the high school experience for most seniors, there are always an unlucky few who have to stay behind an extra year. I'm just glad to close the door on this whole unfortunate affair.See also: close, door, on

shut the door (up)on someone or something

 and close the door on someone or something ; close the door to someone or something 1. Lit. to close a door, preventing someone or something from passing through. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) They shut the door upon me, and I couldn't get in! We quickly closed the door on the smoke. 2. Fig. to eliminate an opportunity for someone or something. The board of directors shut the door on me, and there was no further opportunity for me to pursue. They closed the door on further discussions.See also: door, on, shut

close the door on

Also, shut the door on. End or exclude from consideration, discussion, or action. For example, His lack of qualifications closed the door on further promotions, or Last quarter's poor sales figures have shut the door on any expansion plans. See also: close, door, on

close (or shut) the door on (or to)

exclude the opportunity for; refuse to consider. 1999 South China Morning Post Fergie did not close the door on the couple reconciling some day. See also: close, door, on

shut/close the ˈdoor on something

make it unlikely that something will happen; refuse to consider an idea, a plan, etc: I think this company should remain open to ideas and not shut the door on change. ♢ She was careful not to close the door on the possibility of further talks.See also: close, door, on, shut, something