open door

American  

noun

1. the policy of admitting people of all nationalities or ethnic groups to a country upon equal terms, as for immigration.

2. the policy or practice of trading with all nations on an equal basis.

3. admission or access; unrestricted opportunity.

   His experience had given him an open door to success in his field.

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open door British  

noun

1. a policy or practice by which a nation grants opportunities for trade to all other nations equally

2. free and unrestricted admission

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adjective

1. open to all; accessible

2. (in industrial relations) designating a policy of management being prepared to talk to workers in the office at any time

Other Word Forms

• open-door adjective

Etymology

Origin of open door

First recorded in 1520–30

Example Sentences

Lottery funding awarded to a community group in Coventry will allow it to provide an "open door" to those in need.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

For those overwhelmed by obstacles, or who feel like they’ve been abandoned as the city rebuilds, the Collaboratory is an open door.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

“In this administration, I think what’s different is there’s such a sort of open door to be part of the conversation.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

A police officer was patrolling her yard, responding to a neighbor’s call about an open door at her home.

From Slate • Oct. 23, 2025

He snaps in her direction, points to his open door.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin