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.
Bonta didn’t entirely close the door on mediation, which had been ordered by the judge in the antitrust case. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Old Mrs Dickie ushered her inside and closed the door behind them both. — Literary Hub, 20 Aug. 2026 Although California eventually tied the score at 9-9 in the third quarter, the Charm closed the door by scoring seven of the game’s last 11 goals. — Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2026 Name the goal, keep the message specific, and choose the tone that protects both respect and clarity without closing the door. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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