door-knob
Definition
- Noun:
- A handle on a door: a "door-knob" is a round or oval-shaped handle that is turned to open or close a door. It is typically made of metal, wood, or plastic and is attached to the door's locking mechanism.
Usage Examples
- (She rotated the handle to open the door.)
- (The handle felt cold because of the low temperature.)
- (He swapped the outdated handle for a newer type.)
Advanced Usage
- "door-knob" as a metaphor: In informal language, "door-knob" can be used to describe a person who is dull or uninteresting, suggesting they are as plain or unremarkable as a door handle.
- He's a bit of a door-knob at parties — never has anything interesting to say. (He is boring and unengaging.)
Variants and Related Words
- Door-knob (n): the standard spelling, often hyphenated.
- Doorknob (n): a common variant without the hyphen.
- Knob (n): a general term for a round handle or projection, not specific to doors.
- The knob on the drawer was loose. (The handle on the drawer needed tightening.)
Synonyms
- Handle: a general term for any part of an object designed to be held or operated by hand.
- Latch: a fastening device for a door, often including a handle, but more specifically referring to the locking mechanism.
- Catch: a device for holding a door closed, often used with a knob.
Related Idioms
- "Turn the door-knob": an idiomatic expression meaning to initiate an action or to leave a situation.
- He turned the door-knob and walked out of the room without looking back. (He left decisively.)
- "As plain as a door-knob": a simile meaning something is very obvious or unadorned.
- Her explanation was as plain as a door-knob — there was no hidden meaning. (It was straightforward and clear.)